The UFC has officially removed Shem Rock from its roster after back-to-back losses, ending his brief tenure in the promotion. Rock, a 12-year UFC veteran who fought multiple Hall of Famers, joins two other fighters cut this week amid a busy 2026 schedule. This follows Gilbert Burns' retirement after his recent loss to Mike Malott in UFC Winnipeg. The moves signal roster housekeeping as UFC prepares for upcoming events like this weekend's Fight Night in Las Vegas headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. Expect Rock to explore free agency or other promotions next.
The UFC has parted ways with Shem Rock, ending the heavyweight veteran's time on the roster following back-to-back losses. Rock, who spent 12 years competing in the promotion and shared the Octagon with multiple Hall of Famers, becomes one of three fighters cut by the organization this week.
The roster moves come during a stretch of heavy scheduling for the UFC in 2026, with the promotion trimming its fighter pool as it looks ahead to a packed calendar of events. Rock is now expected to pursue opportunities in free agency or other MMA organizations.
Also departing the UFC landscape in a different sense is welterweight Gilbert Burns, who announced his retirement following a loss to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg. Burns, 39, finishes his career with a 22-10 record and leaves as one of the more accomplished fighters in the 170-pound division's recent history. Fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, the Brazilian was ranked 13th in the welterweight division and averaged 3.15 significant strikes per minute over his career, with a takedown rate of 2.12 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Burns' retirement removes a veteran presence from a welterweight division that continues to evolve heading into the second half of 2026.
- Rock's release, combined with two other cuts this week, reflects routine roster management as the UFC balances its active fighter pool.
- Attention now turns to this weekend's Fight Night in Las Vegas, where ranked featherweights Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal headline.
Sterling, ranked fourth at featherweight with a 26-5 record, is one of the division's more active strikers, landing 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. Zalal, ranked 12th with an 18-6-1 mark, brings a switch stance and well-rounded game to the fight, averaging 2.17 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.4 submission attempts in the same span.
