UFC
UFC part ways with 11 fighters – including Danish veteran and Khabib’s cousin
UFC. Photo: MMA Junkie
A total of 11 fighters were removed from the UFC roster on Tuesday. The number was confirmed by the organization. The athletes were either released from the promotion, not re-signed after their contracts expired, or retired.
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Abubakar Nurmagomedov
Abubakar Nurmagomedov (left) with his cousin Khabib. Foto via Instagram
- Record: 17-4-1
- Promotional record: 2-2
Dagestani welterweight Abubakar Nurmagomedov has parted ways with the UFC after five years and four fights in the promotion.
In January 2019, the NSAC announced a one-year suspension for Nurmagomedov and a $25,000 fine for his participation in the UFC 229 Nurmagomedov-McGregor post-fight incident.
Devin Clark
Ohoto via Instagram (@brownbearufc)
- Record: 14-9
- Promotional record: 8-9
UFC veteran Devin Clark joined the promotion back in 2016 and fought a total of 17 fights in the octagon.
During the years he tested himself against the likes of Ryan Spann, Ion Cutelaba and former light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith.
Mike Breeden
Photo via Instagram (@moneymikemma)
- Record: 11-6
- Promotional record: 1-3
American lightweight Mike Breeden left the promotion after one win in four fights. His sole victory came against Anshul Jubli at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Fernie Garcia
Fernie Garcia. Photo via Instagram (@teamfgarcia)
- Record: 10-5
- Promotional record: 0-4
Mexico’s Fernie Garcia joined the promotion with a 10-1 pro record after a big KO win in the Contender Series 2021.
However, the 31-year-old had a tough time in the UFC and was not able to pull of a single win in the promotion.
Luis Saldana
Luis Saldana. Photo via Instragram (@saldanamma)
- Record: 16-7-1
- Promotional record: 2-1-1
Featherweight Luis Saldana was released by the UFC after four fights. He made his promotional debut in April 2021 and fought his last fight at UFC 278 in August, 2022.
Saldana competed at Dana White’s Contender Series 34 and won a UFC contract with his TKO win against Vince Murdock.
Denys Bondar
Denys Bondar. Photo via Instagram (@denysbondarpsycho)
- Record: 17-5
- Promotional record: 0-3
Ukrainian fighter Denys ”Pshyco” Bondar made his UFC debut in 2022 and fought three times without being successful. His last bout took place against Ronaldo Rodriguez on February 24.
Daniel Lacerda
- Record: 11-6
- Promotional record: 0-5
Brazil’s Daniel Lacerda fought five times in the UFC without getting his hand raised. However, the entertaining fighter brought a lot of action to the octagon before parting ways with the promotion.
Mateus Mendonca
Photo via Instagram (@mateusbocaocb)
- Record: 10-3
- Promotional record: 0-3
Mateus Mendonca was undefeated going into the octagon for the first time in January 2023. However, after three fights and three losses, the promotion decided to part ways with the Brazilian.
In 2022 he defeated Ashiek Ajim via a first-round KO in the Contender Series 2022 to win a UFC contract.
Mark Madsen
Mark O. Madsen. Photo via YouTube (MMAJunkie)
- Record: 12-2
- Promotional record: 4-2
UFC lightweight Mark Madsen retired a few weeks back. As a decorated wrestler and UFC veteran, he is one of most successful martial artists ever coming out of Denmark.
The 39-year-old is a three-time Olympian and earned a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling back in 2016. He was also a five-time medalist at the wrestling world championships.
Jamie Pickett
Photo via Instagram (@jamiepickettmma)
- Record: 13-11
- Promotional record: 2-7
35-year-old Jamie Pickett decided to hang up his gloves on Saturday March 2.
He announced his retirement at the UFC Fight Night 238 post-fight press conference, after his fifth straight loss. Pickett made his MMA debut in September 2011.
Tyson Pedro
Tyson Pedro. Photo via Instagram (@tyson_pedro)
- Record: 10-5
- Promotional record: 6-5
Tyson Pedro retired in the cage after a recent loss to Vitor Petrino at the recent Fight Night 238.
All in all he fought 11 times in the octagon, facing fighters like Mauricio Rua, Ovince Saint Preux and Swedes like Ilir Latifi and Anton Turkalj.
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