Andreas Gustafsson has been cut from the UFC roster after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia. The Swedish fighter had previously withdrawn from a bout against Daniil Donchenko due to the cardiac issues, prompting his camp to halt and undergo multiple medical evaluations. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby informed Gustafsson of his release, noting the organization would consider re-signing him if he receives full medical clearance from both his personal physicians and UFC medical staff.
The UFC has parted ways with Swedish middleweight Andreas Gustafsson after the 35-year-old was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia, the organization confirmed on May 31, 2026. Gustafsson, who competes under the nickname "Bane," had already been forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout before the medical situation prompted his release.
Gustafsson, representing Vasteras Fight Club, carried a 12-3-0 professional record into this period and had established himself as one of the more technically complete fighters on the roster. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, he posted a striking accuracy of 71 percent and an impressive 5.82 significant strikes landed per minute. His grappling was equally dangerous, averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that placed him among the division's most active wrestlers. His camp halted all activity and underwent multiple medical evaluations after the cardiac issues surfaced.
The bout Gustafsson was forced to withdraw from had been set against Daniil Donchenko, a 24-year-old with a 15-2-0 record who has shown significant offensive output of his own. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, Donchenko averages 7.15 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 60 percent.
Why it matters
- Gustafsson's release leaves a gap in the middleweight division, where his elite takedown volume made him a difficult stylistic puzzle for opponents.
- UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby indicated the door remains open, with a potential re-signing contingent on full medical clearance from both Gustafsson's personal physicians and UFC medical staff.
- The situation leaves Donchenko without a confirmed opponent and may affect the matchmaker's short-term planning at 185 pounds.
- Atrial fibrillation and tachycardia present serious risks in high-intensity combat sports, making the path back to competition uncertain regardless of any organizational goodwill.
