UFC divvies up matchmaking duties ahead of Silva's retirement

The UFC is preemptively transitioning ahead of the imminent departure of its longtime matchmaker.

With Joe Silva set to retire at year's end, the promotion has already parceled out his soon-to-be-former responsibilities, MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani reports. Sean Shelby, Silva's longtime partner, will now handle matchmaking for the UFC's women's strawweight, bantamweight, and men's bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions. He had previously overseen all but the latter two weight classes.

Newly appointed Mick Maynard's purview will comprise the flyweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions. The former Legacy FC owner was tapped to fill Silva's shoes in light of the promotion's September merger with fellow "feeder" league Resurrection Fighting Alliance.

Shelby holds the official title of senior vice president of talent relations, Maynard will be vice president of talent relations.