Though UFC matchmaker Joe Silva spends most of his time working behind the scenes, he’s one of the most important people in the entire organization. He is, after all, the man who handles matchmaking for the lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, and he’s been an incredible asset to the UFC for many, many years.

Yet rumors are now beginning to suggest that Mr. Silva may be parting ways with the UFC. The first whispers of this surprising departure came from @TalkMMA on Twitter.

Also, rumor is Joe Silva is parting ways with the UFC. He's staying on as a courtesy. No word on his replacement at this time. — #Dizz© in Indy (@TalkMMA) August 31, 2016

The same account later claimed to have confirmed this unfortunate news.

I have confirmed that Joe Silva is parting ways with the UFC — #Dizz© in Indy (@TalkMMA) August 31, 2016

And finally, the ever-reliable Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie.com also confirmed that he’s heard Silva will be leaving the UFC.

Departure to come by the end of the year, I'm told. https://t.co/oMZ1VUP4je — Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) August 31, 2016

Indeed, it seems as though the UFC’s oft-unheralded but undeniably talented matchmaker is ready to ride off into the MMA sunset. The question is: what will his departure mean for the UFC, and who could possibly replace him? Sound off, PENN nation!