Andreas Gustafsson has been cut from the UFC roster after withdrawing from his scheduled bout against Daniil Donchenko due to heart issues. The Swedish fighter is dealing with atrial fibrillation and recurrent tachycardia. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby stated that Gustafsson could return if he receives full medical clearance from doctors and athletic commissions.
Andreas Gustafsson has been released from the UFC roster after a heart condition forced him to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Daniil Donchenko. The Swedish welterweight, known by the nickname "Bane," is dealing with atrial fibrillation and recurrent tachycardia. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby confirmed the release but indicated the door is not permanently closed, stating Gustafsson could return to the roster with full medical clearance from both doctors and the relevant athletic commissions.
Gustafsson, 35, fights out of Vasteras Fight Club in Sweden and carries a professional record of 12-3. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, he is a notably active grappler, averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking numbers are equally striking — he lands 5.82 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 71 percent, a figure that stands among the highest in the division.
Donchenko, just 24 years old, now loses his scheduled opponent. The Russian prospect holds a 15-2 record and has shown elite striking output of his own, averaging 7.15 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 60 percent. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, he presents a contrasting profile to Gustafsson, leaning far more heavily on the feet with just 0.77 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Gustafsson's release removes a high-volume striker and active grappler from the roster, creating a gap at his weight class.
- Donchenko must now await a replacement opponent, disrupting momentum for a prospect with a near-perfect record.
- The path back remains open for Gustafsson, but full cardiac clearance from medical professionals and athletic commissions will be a significant hurdle for a 35-year-old fighter.
