SUMMARY
- Taking a look at the top UFC fighters who got cut in the year 2023 by the organization, including their careers and performances.
- One of the most promising young prospects at that time, Darren Till, couldn't keep up his momentum.
The year 2023 has been quite exciting for UFC fans and the MMA community. Many new fighters made their debuts this year, including the likes of Bo Nickal, Ikram Aliskerov, and Rinya Nakamura. Also, with a stacked roster and rising talent, there have been many releases this year too. Let’s have a look at some of the big names who were cut in 2023 by the top MMA organization.
4. Derek Brunson
Derek Brunson is an American mixed martial artist who made his debut at UFC 155. He faced fighter Chris Leben, winning via decision. The middleweight fighter fought the likes of elites such as Darren Till, Anderson Silva, Robert Whittaker, and Israel Adesanya. Derek held a UFC record of 14-7 during his time with the company.
PFL recap: spinning s**t , I had fun fighting once again . I ran 10-15 miles for the last 8 weeks . I went 3 rounds without tiring . We can build on that ! Inch by inch #PFL 👱🏾♂️blonde brunson undefeated . Thank you DC , the crowd was great. I felt at home@PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/7tX6LHZVS5
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 25, 2023
After a career span of over 10 years, the veteran was released in September 2023 after consecutive losses to middleweights Dricus du Plessis and Jared Cannonier. He is currently signed with PFL, and he made his debut against Ray Cooper III at PFL 10.
3. Darren Till
One of the most promising young prospects at that time, Darren Till, couldn’t keep up his momentum. The English mixed martial artist made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 67. Entering the octagon as an undefeated professional fighter with 12 fight-win streaks, Till was able to dominate and defeat his opponent Wendell de Oliveira via second-round KO.
After impressive wins against veterans Donald Cerrone and Stephen Thompson with a 5-fight win streak, Darren Till got a shot at the Welterweight title. Till lost the match against the Champion, Tyron Woodley, via submission at UFC 228. Sadly, the UFC fighter went on to lose his next four out of five fights before being released in February 2023. Darren has been on a hiatus while pursuing other interests in his life.
2. Damir Ismagulov
Damir Ismagulov made his debut at UFC Fight Night 142 against Alex Gorgees, winning via decision. He went on to win his next four UFC fights in a row. With a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 3 losses, the Russian Fighter was released in July. This was after facing consecutive losses by lightweights Arman Tsarukyan and Grant Dawson.
Co-main happening now 💥
Damir Ismagulov vs @DawsonGrant20y1 on @ESPN! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/EyFYg9YiU1
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
He was also a former M-1 Global Lightweight Champion before signing with the UFC. Damir last fought for the organization at UFC Vegas 76, losing via decision to Grant Dawson. He is currently unsigned and a free agent.
1. Francis Ngannou
The most controversial release of 2023 would be the infamous departure of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. The heavyweight made his debut at the UFC on Fox 17 against Luis Henrique and won via second-round KO. He went on to win and defend the Heavyweight Championship against the likes of Alistair Overeem, Stipe Miocic, and Ciryl Gane.
In his last two fights, Francis Ngannou showed he can wrestle in MMA and box in a Boxing match.
He continues to defy the odds in combat sports 👏 #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/pJRvgHJVJp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 29, 2023
After frequent fallouts with the organization and UFC President Dana White, the former Champion was released in January 2023 after he refused to re-sign with the company. Francis was vocal on fighter pay parity as well as requesting health insurance, sponsorship, and an advocate for all fighter contract negotiations. This led to disagreements, and the heavyweight shifted his focus to boxing.
