UFC releases Ciesnolevicz after Ultimate Fighter loss

The current downsizing of the UFC's packed roster continued recently, as MMAWeekly.com has learned the promotion has released Mike Ciesnolevicz, who joins fellow light heavyweight Tim Boetsch on the outside of the Octagon looking in.

Boetsch made waves when he stepped in as a late replacement for TomaszDrwal at UFC 81 and defeated David Heath in impressive fashion, but went 2-2 for the promotion, with his most recent appearance being a unanimous decision loss to Jason Brilz at UFC 96 in March. He was released shortly thereafter.

Ciesnolevicz also stepped in with late notice for his UFC debut, moving up a weight class against Neil Grove in a heavyweight bout this past February at UFC 95, defeating the massive Grove via heel hook in the first round.

However, in his follow-up bout against Drwal at the recent Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, Ciesnolevicz again was a late replacement, but this time admittedly performed below expectations, losing in the first round via TKO, splitting his UFC record at 1-1.

Sources say Boetsch's next stop may be Strikeforce; while Ciesnolevicz told MMAWeekly.com that he is looking into fighting again soon, with the eventual hopes of returning to the UFC after stringing together a couple of wins outside the promotion.