The UFC has cut four fighters from its roster, including former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington. Covington's UFC record stood at 12-5 with an overall professional record of 17-5. Also released were Brad Riddell (4-3 UFC), who had lost three straight and hadn't fought since 2022, Nathan Fletcher (1-2 UFC), who had already competed outside the organization in Cage Warriors, and Mayra Bueno Silva (5-7-1 UFC), who went winless in her last six fights with her most recent victory coming in 2023. The post speculates whether fans expect to see Covington potentially move to MVP to face Nate Diaz.
The UFC has parted ways with four fighters, headlined by former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington, in a roster trim announced on May 18, 2026. Covington, Brad Riddell, Nathan Fletcher, and Mayra Bueno Silva have all been released from their contracts.
Covington departs the promotion with a UFC record of 12-5 and an overall professional mark of 17-5. The former interim welterweight champion was one of the division's most prominent figures for several years, reaching two title fights before his run at the top stalled.
Brad Riddell, 34, leaves with a UFC record of 4-3 and an overall mark of 10-4. The New Zealand lightweight, who trains out of City Kickboxing, had not competed since 2022 after dropping three consecutive bouts. Standing five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach, the orthodox striker averaged 4.71 significant strikes per minute during his UFC tenure at a 53 percent accuracy rate.
Nathan Fletcher, 28, goes with a 1-2 UFC record and a 9-3 overall slate. The English fighter out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool had already seen action outside the UFC with Cage Warriors. Standing five-foot-seven with a 70-inch reach, Fletcher showed well-rounded tools, averaging 3.53 takedowns per 15 minutes at a striking accuracy of 60 percent.
Mayra Bueno Silva exits having gone winless across her last six outings, with her final UFC victory coming in 2023. Her UFC record finishes at 5-7-1.
Why it matters
- Covington's release opens the door for him to pursue fights elsewhere in the welterweight landscape as a marquee free agent
- The summary raises the possibility of Covington heading to MVP to face Nate Diaz, who carries a 22-13 record and remains one of the sport's most recognizable names at 41
- Riddell's departure marks the end of a City Kickboxing era at 155 pounds after a prolonged absence from competition
- Fletcher's release frees a young, active fighter with a full overall record to pursue opportunities in Cage Warriors or other promotions
