The UFC has officially parted ways with 12-year veteran Shem Rock after back-to-back losses, removing him from the roster alongside another fighter. Rock, who fought multiple UFC Hall of Famers during his long tenure, ends his UFC career on a brief two-fight skid. This roster cleanup follows Gilbert Burns' retirement after his loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg. The move signals the promotion's ongoing talent refresh amid a packed 2026 schedule, including this weekend's UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. Expect Rock to explore free agency or retirement, impacting the welterweight/middleweight depth.
The UFC has parted ways with welterweight and middleweight veteran Shem Rock, cutting him from the roster following back-to-back losses that ended a run with the promotion spanning roughly 12 years. Rock was released alongside at least one other fighter as part of a broader roster cleanup the promotion has undertaken heading into a packed 2026 schedule.
During his long tenure in the UFC, Rock shared the Octagon with multiple fighters who have since been inducted into the Hall of Fame, a testament to the level of competition he faced throughout his career. The two-fight skid that ultimately cost him his contract marks a quiet end to what was a remarkably lengthy stay with the world's premier MMA organization. Whether Rock pursues free agency or steps away from the sport entirely remains to be seen, though his departure thins the depth at both welterweight and middleweight.
The cuts come in the wake of Gilbert Burns announcing his retirement following a loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg. Burns, 39, leaves the sport with a 22-10 record and a divisional ranking of 13th at welterweight. The Brazilian fighter out of Kill Cliff FC landed 3.15 significant strikes per minute over his career at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes — a well-rounded résumé that included championship-level performances.
Why it matters
- Rock's release reduces veteran depth at welterweight and middleweight, opening roster spots for emerging talent
- Burns' retirement removes a ranked welterweight from the divisional picture, reshuffling the contender landscape below the top ten
- The moves reflect the UFC's ongoing effort to refresh its roster ahead of a heavy 2026 event slate, including this weekend's UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas headlined by fourth-ranked featherweight Aljamain Sterling against number-12-ranked Youssef Zalal
Saturday, April 25, 2026
