Gurgel vows to put black belt to better use in Strikeforce

There's an old saying that goes "when one door closes, another one usually opens." But that usually doesn't happen within 15 minutes. For Jorge Gurgel, it did.

Gurgel (left) promises to use his BJJ more often. (UFC)

Just a few moments after receiving a heartbreaking e-mail from the UFC that he had been released, Gurgel signed on with what may be the No. 2 MMA organization in the United States -- Strikeforce.

Gurgel was not completely surprised by the news. After losing his last fight to Aaron Riley, Gurgel knew his time with the UFC could be up, even though he and Riley took home fight-of-the-night honors for the performance.

"When I thought the release was possible, I spoke with my manager, Monte (Cox), to make sure things were set," said Gurgel. "He got in touch with Strikeforce because Strikeforce has good relations with the UFC."

Gurgel's dream has always been to fight in the UFC. Even though the first run didn't go as planned, he definitely wants to keep open the possibility of a return in the future. That was a very important factor when deciding the next stop in his fighting career.

"Apparently, Dana and the UFC do not like Affliction. I do not want to go to a place that the UFC does not like and have the possibility of getting black-listed," Gurgel said.

When Gurgel came to the United States to pursue his MMA career, the goal was to make it to the UFC. After participating on Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter, Gurgel got his wish. Unfortunately, Gurgel's debut did not go as planned, and he lost a very close decision to Mark Hominick. Gurgel did rebound with two consecutive victories before losing three of his final four fights.

Nevertheless, Gurgel almost always put on fight-of-the-night caliber performances in defeat. He is very disappointed with being cut from the promotion he called home for the past 2½ years.

"I can't be released from a childhood dream -- which the UFC has always has been for me -- and be truly and thoroughly happy about it," said Gurgel.

One of the main criticisms of Gurgel's performances was his insistence on standing and trading strikes with his opponents. Gurgel is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. He vows to change his style in his new promotion and even received some advice from an unusual source.

"My sports psychiatrist says to me, 'You're a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt -- highly decorated, but if you don't use it, you're just as good as someone that knows nothing.'"

Gurgel has taken the advice to heart.

"One thing I can promise you is that you will see my jiu-jitsu skills now. Period."