UFC Cuts More Fighters: Major Roster Trimming Confirmed by MMA Reporter
The chopping block is getting crowded over at UFC headquarters. In what’s becoming an increasingly common occurrence, the world’s premier MMA organization continues to slim down its fighter roster in 2025.
According to respected MMA journalist Guilherme Cruz, who broke the news today (Wednesday, April 9, 2025), the UFC has parted ways with several fighters. This latest round of cuts reflects the promotion’s ongoing strategy to maintain what company brass likely considers an optimal roster size.
Why This Matters to MMA Fans
I’ve been covering UFC roster cuts for years, and let me tell you – they never get easier to report. Behind each name is a fighter who’s dedicated their life to this sport, often sacrificing everything for a shot at UFC glory.
These cuts typically follow a predictable pattern: consecutive losses, underwhelming performances, or sometimes just bad timing when the UFC decides to trim the fat. For fans, it means saying goodbye to fighters you might have followed for years.
What We Know About the Latest Cuts
While Cruz didn’t immediately reveal the complete list of fighters affected, these decisions typically impact competitors who have:
- Lost consecutive fights
- Failed to generate significant fan interest
- Had contract disputes with the organization
- Faced recent injuries affecting their ability to compete
UFC’s History of Roster Management
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen mass cuts from the UFC, and it certainly won’t be the last. The promotion has historically maintained around 600-650 fighters under contract, regularly cycling through talent to make room for Dana White’s Contender Series graduates and other promising prospects.
Remember when they cut nearly 60 fighters back in 2021? Today’s news feels like déjà vu for MMA diehards.
| Year | Major Cut Periods | Estimated Fighters Released |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | March-May | ~60 |
| 2023 | January-February | ~30 |
| 2024 | November-December | ~25 |
| 2025 (so far) | April | TBD |
What’s Next for Released Fighters?
When fighters get the dreaded call from UFC matchmakers, their options typically include:
- Bellator MMA: Still the second-biggest show in town despite ownership changes
- PFL: The tournament format and million-dollar prizes attract many UFC veterans
- ONE Championship: The Asian powerhouse continues to sign former UFC talent
- Regional promotions: A chance to rebuild and potentially earn another UFC shot
The UFC Business Model
Let’s be real – the UFC’s approach to roster management has always been ruthlessly efficient. Despite criticism from fighter advocates, the promotion maintains complete control over who stays and who goes.
With the UFC’s recent media rights deal worth billions and the company’s continued expansion globally, these cuts represent the harsh reality of an organization that views itself as much as an entertainment company as a sports league.
Will Any Big Names Be On The Chopping Block?
While we await confirmation of which specific fighters have been released, history suggests a mix of recognizable veterans and lesser-known competitors will be affected. Typically, these announcements come in waves, with full details emerging over several days.
I’ve seen too many fighters I thought were “safe” get cut over the years to make any guarantees. In today’s UFC, three consecutive losses almost guarantees a release, while even two defeats can spell trouble for higher-paid veterans.
The Fighter’s Perspective
Being cut from the UFC isn’t just a professional setback – it’s a financial earthquake for most fighters. The substantial pay difference between UFC and other promotions means many released athletes will face significant income reductions.
The psychological impact shouldn’t be overlooked either. For many, reaching the UFC represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Having that opportunity taken away can be devastating.
Stay Tuned For Updates
I’ll be updating this story as more information becomes available about which specific fighters have been released. Follow me on Twitter for real-time updates or check back here for the complete list once it’s revealed.
What do you think about the UFC’s approach to roster management? Should they keep more fighters under contract or is this ruthless efficiency necessary? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Vox Media