It should be noted that none of these moves have been officially verified as releases. For a number of reasons, including retirement, finishing their contract, subpar performance, and others, UFC fighters are let go from the UFC roster. There is no official word on why these athletes left the organisation.
Just like what was seen with WWE when numerous fighters were removed from the industry, UFC too has removed 8 of the fighters from the industry, but the only reason why WWE removed their fighters was due to cost-cutting measures and the fact that individuals in identical functions at both organisations no longer had a place in the new corporate structure.
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UFC Laying Off Their Fighters
The eight fighters who parted ways with the promotion are listed below:
Lightweight: John Makdessi (18-9 MMA)
If John Makdessi does leave the UFC, his 13-year tenure with the organisation will come to an end. He has shared the octagon with fighters like Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Lando Vannata, Ross Pearson, and others throughout that period.
‘The Bull’ is now on a two-fight losing streak. Losses to Jamie Mullarkey and Nasrat Haqparast may have been sufficient reason for the Canadian to leave the UFC.
Men’s Bantamweight: JP Buys (9-6 MMA)
After getting signed off the Contender Series in 2020, “Young Savage” had a challenging time in the UFC. The South African lost four games in a row after being promoted, with his most recent defeat coming at the hands of Marcus McGhee in August.
Lightweight: Shane Young (13-8 MMA)
It looks like Shane Young has left the UFC as a result of a four-fight losing run. Since joining the promotion in 2017, “Smokin” has competed against athletes including Alexander Volkanovski. But last month, Gabriel Miranda defeated the Australian for the fourth time in a row.
Men’s Featherweight: Tucker Lutz (12-4 MMA)
Another former contestant from the Contender Series who most likely left the UFC is Tucker Lutz. He made a strong first impression by defeating Kevin Aguilar in May 2021, but since then, he has lost three matches in a row. When they last squared off in July, he lost by decision.
Lightweight: Kamuela Kirk (11-6 MMA)
Despite not competing on the Contender Series in 2019, Kamuela Kirk did compete there. He eventually joined the organisation in 2021 and defeated Makwan Amirkhani in a decision. However, he was dropped from the roster after consecutive losses to Esteban Ribovics and Damon Jackson.
Welterweight: AJ Fletcher (10-3 MMA)
‘The Ghost’ is probably going to leave the UFC with a 1-3 career record. Despite being signed off the Contender Series, Fletcher lost his first two games in a row. Although he bounced back with a victory over Themba Gorimbo, a defeat to Bryan Battle in September likely put an end to his winning streak.
Welterweight: Andre Fialho (16-8 MMA)
The blunt statement One of the more well-known names from this widespread distribution is Andre Fialho. The welterweight contender competed against a number of well-known fighters, including Michel Pereira. He left the organisation, though, after a four-fight losing streak to opponents like Tim Means.
Lightweight: Carl Deaton (17-7 MMA)
Last but not least, lightweight Carl Deaton has left the UFC. The 33-year-old had a losing record in the promotion, suffering crushing defeats to Joe Solecki and Alex Munoz earlier this year.
