Andreas Gustafsson has been released from the UFC roster after withdrawing from his scheduled bout against Daniil Donchenko due to heart problems. The Swedish fighter has been dealing with atrial fibrillation and recurrent tachycardia. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby indicated that Gustafsson could return if he receives full medical clearance from his doctors and approval from UFC physicians and athletic commissions.
Andreas Gustafsson has been released from the UFC roster following a medical withdrawal from his planned fight against Daniil Donchenko, with the organization confirming the Swedish fighter is dealing with serious cardiac issues.
Gustafsson, who competes under the nickname "Bane," has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recurrent tachycardia — conditions serious enough to remove him from active competition. The 35-year-old from Sweden, who trains out of Vasteras Fight Club, holds a professional record of 12-3-0 and had been one of the more technically efficient fighters on the roster. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, Gustafsson's numbers reflected a well-rounded game: he landed 5.82 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 71 percent striking accuracy, while also averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes — figures that placed him among the more complete practitioners in his division.
Donchenko, the 24-year-old opponent left without a dance partner by the withdrawal, carries a 15-2-0 record and has shown considerable punch output of his own, landing 7.15 significant strikes per minute. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, the young Orthodox fighter represents a rising presence in the division.
UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby has left the door open for Gustafsson's return, indicating that a path back to the roster exists if the Swedish veteran secures full medical clearance from his personal physicians and receives approval from both UFC doctors and the relevant athletic commissions.
Why it matters
- Gustafsson's cardiac diagnosis raises the immediate question of whether he will ever compete again at the highest level
- His departure leaves a gap in the division given his elite striking accuracy and takedown output
- Donchenko loses a high-profile opponent and will need a replacement booking to maintain his momentum
- The case highlights the UFC's medical clearance protocols and the role athletic commissions play in fighter health decisions
