‘Babysitter to the Stars’ Burt Watson Announces Departure from UFC

After 14 AMAZING YEARS I've decided to step aside thank U Dana White Lorenzo Fertitta & Donna Marcolini pic.twitter.com/8eL04mVGaW

— Burt Watson (@BurtWatson4real) March 3, 2015

Beloved backstage personality Burt Watson has parted ways with the UFC after 14 years with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Watson confirmed the news via Twitter on Tuesday. No reason was given for his departure.

Perhaps best known for his booming catchphrases, Watson played a key role behind the scenes at UFC fight week events. In addition to energizing the competitors before they walked to the cage, the “Babysitter to the Stars” handled a number of tasks, including fighter ticket allotment, weight-cutting, transportation, workout space, and issuing equipment, among other things.

I heard Burt Watson was accused of neglecting Mark Munoz. Left him at arena after cut. allegedly.He got into an argument w/some1 at UFC+quit

— FrontRowBrian® (@FrontRowBrian) March 2, 2015

Rumors of Watson’s exit began to circulate during UFC 184 this past Saturday, but the promotion has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. Since the announcement, a number of fighters have taken to Twitter to express their appreciation for Watson's work with the organization.