The UFC has released four fighters from its roster, most notably Colby Covington. Covington departs with a 17-5 overall record and 12-5 UFC record. Also cut were Brad Riddell (10-4 overall, 4-3 UFC) who is on a three-fight losing streak and hasn't fought since 2022, Nathan Fletcher (1-2 UFC) who recently 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 in 2023. The post speculates whether Covington might join MVP to face Nate Diaz.
The UFC has parted ways with four fighters, headlined by former welterweight title contender Colby Covington, in a roster cut announced on May 18, 2026.
Covington exits the promotion with a 17-5 overall record and a 12-5 mark inside the UFC, where he twice challenged for the welterweight championship. His departure closes a significant chapter in the 170-pound division's recent history.
Brad Riddell, nicknamed "Quake," is also among those released. The 34-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, finishes his UFC tenure at 4-3 inside the organization and carries a 10-4 overall record. He lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at a 53 percent accuracy rate, but a three-fight losing streak and an absence from competition since 2022 ultimately ended his time on the roster.
English fighter Nathan Fletcher departs with a 1-2 UFC record, though his overall mark stands at 9-3. The 28-year-old from Next Generation MMA Liverpool showed promise as a grappler, averaging 3.53 takedowns per 15 minutes at a 60 percent striking accuracy, and had recently competed for Cage Warriors outside the UFC.
Mayra Bueno Silva rounds out the cuts. The Brazilian strawweight went winless across her last six fights, with her most recent victory coming in 2023, and finishes with a 5-7-1 record in the UFC.
Why it matters
- Covington's release opens the door for him to pursue free-agent bouts; one reported possibility is a matchup with Nate Diaz under the MVP banner, though nothing is confirmed
- Riddell's cut signals the UFC's reduced patience for inactivity combined with losing streaks, even for fighters with legitimate skillsets
- Fletcher's Cage Warriors activity outside the promotion may have factored into his release, raising questions about UFC roster management of developmental talent
