Mick Maynard joins the UFC, Sean Shelby promoted, Joe Silva to retire at end of year

UFC announced today the hiring of Mick Maynard as Vice President of Talent Relations. Maynard was president and owner of Houston-based Legacy Fighting Championship, an organization that helped launched the careers of many athletes including Holly Holm, Henry Cejudo and Sage Northcutt.

Maynard will work alongside Sean Shelby, a 14-year UFC employee who is being promoted to Senior Vice President of Talent Relations, in organizing UFC bouts, developing athletes on the roster, and scouting potential UFC talent. These moves come as longtime UFC executive Joe Silva is set to retire at year’s end after more than two decades with the organization.

“Joe Silva’s contributions to the UFC over the last 20 years were huge, and he played a big role in helping make the sport as big as it is today. He left his mark on this sport and I wish him nothing but success in retirement,” Dana White said.

He also mentioned that he was happy to have Mick and Sean on board.

“I’m excited to have Mick on board working alongside Sean. Mick has become one of the most respected people in the fight game and he’s done a great job in finding and developing talent. Sean has been a tremendous asset to the UFC for a long time, and I look forward to working with Sean and Mick in the years to come,” White added.

Maynard, who began promoting mixed martial arts in 2006, is excited by the challenge of joining one of the world’s most successful global sports organizations.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to delivering the action-packed, exciting fights that UFC fans have come to expect,” Maynard said.