Andreas Gustafsson has been cut from the UFC roster following ongoing heart problems that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Daniil Donchenko. The Swedish fighter has been dealing with atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia, requiring him to halt training camp and undergo multiple medical evaluations. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby confirmed the release, stating the promotion would consider bringing Gustafsson back if he receives full medical clearance from his own physicians and satisfies UFC medical staff and athletic commission requirements.
The UFC has parted ways with Swedish middleweight Andreas Gustafsson after ongoing cardiac problems made it impossible for him to continue competing, the promotion confirmed on May 31, 2026. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby acknowledged the release and indicated the organization would be open to revisiting Gustafsson's contract if he secures full medical clearance from his own doctors and satisfies both UFC medical staff and athletic commission requirements.
Gustafsson, 35, carries a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses and competes out of Vasteras Fight Club in Sweden. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, he is a notably well-rounded grappler and striker, averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside an impressive significant strike accuracy of 71 percent and 5.82 significant strikes landed per minute. His cardiac troubles, specifically atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia, forced him to halt his training camp and undergo multiple medical evaluations before the UFC ultimately determined he could not proceed. He had been scheduled to face Daniil Donchenko before the health issues intervened.
Donchenko, the 24-year-old opponent left without a dance partner by the withdrawal, carries a strong record of 15-2-0. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, he is an aggressive striker who lands 7.15 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 60 percent. His takedown activity is minimal at 0.77 per 15 minutes, suggesting a style built primarily around volume striking.
Why it matters
- Gustafsson's release removes an experienced, high-output grappler from the middleweight roster at an age where a return to competition may be uncertain.
- Donchenko now requires a replacement opponent, potentially delaying his momentum at just 24 years old with a promising record.
- The door left open by Shelby signals the UFC will not permanently close the book on Gustafsson, contingent entirely on what medical evaluations reveal.
