Like any sports organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is no different when it comes to signing fresh faces. However, the opportunity of fighting under the brightest of lights comes with a cost. The promotion can let go of a fighter either because they are in a losing slump or because they have obliged their contract. In common cases, the UFC can even release a fighter with fights left on their contract.
In an attempt to further trim the roster, the UFC has recently parted ways with 4 athletes from its stable. The UFC Roster Watch Twitter tracks the company’s roster and updates the fight fans with the newest addition and removal. According to its latest tweets, the UFC has released lightweight Rafael Alves and Leonardo Santos. Aside from them, the promotion released heavyweight Augusto Sakai and bantamweight Mana Martínez.
❌ Fighter removed: Augusto Sakai
— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) March 23, 2023
It is worth mentioning that being cut from the promotion doesn’t necessarily mean the athlete was released. It could also mean that the fighter fought out their contract and chose not to be resigned. This could further mean that the said athlete wants to test the waters or in other words, experience being a free agent. This is the time when competitor promotions put forward a better deal on the table for the released athletes.
UFC records of the recently released athletes
UFC heavyweight Augusto Sakai leads the latest list of released athletes. The 31-year-old had a really good start winning his first 5 bouts in the promotion. However, Sakai went on a 4-fight losing skid in the next 5 contests. The Brazilian secured a unanimous decision over Don’Tale Mayes in his last bout under the banner. It is noteworthy that Sakai has faced Hall of Famers and decorated names like Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski.
The next athlete that is no longer with the UFC is Leonardo Santos. Fans might know him as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2. The 43-year-old announced his retirement shortly after UFC 278 where Jared Gordon secured a decisive victory over him. With a UFC record of 7-4, the welterweight has fought some well-known names like Kevin Lee and Clay Guida.
Lightweight Rafael Alves makes number 3 on the list. ‘The Turn’ produced a tough run of 1-3 during his time with the promotion. Alves secured his only victory in the UFC via a guillotine choke. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old always put exciting fights inside the Octagon.
Bantamweight ‘Manaboi’ went 2-2 in the Las Vegas-based promotion. Both of Mana Martinez’s wins have come through split decisions. His most recent loss came at the hands of Cameron Saaiman on the Jones vs Gane card at UFC 285. However, the future is as bright as ever for the Texas resident since he is only 27 years of age and can keep sharpening his cage skills.
