Andreas Gustafsson has been released from his UFC contract following serious cardiac health concerns. The Swedish fighter was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Daniil Donchenko after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia, requiring him to halt training and undergo multiple medical examinations. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby notified Gustafsson of the release but indicated the promotion would consider re-signing him if he receives full medical clearance from his own physicians and UFC doctors and athletic commissions are satisfied with his condition.
The UFC has parted ways with Swedish middleweight Andreas Gustafsson after a serious cardiac diagnosis forced him out of competition, the promotion confirmed ahead of a scheduled bout that will no longer take place.
Gustafsson, 35, who fights out of Vasteras Fight Club under the nickname "Bane," was pulled from a fight against Daniil Donchenko after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recurring tachycardia. The conditions required him to suspend training and submit to multiple rounds of medical evaluation. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby delivered the release notice, though he left the door open for a potential return should Gustafsson receive full clearance from his personal physicians, UFC doctors, and relevant athletic commissions.
The orthodox striker carried a 12-3 record into the situation and had built a reputation as one of the more active and accurate fighters on the roster, landing 5.82 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 71 percent — an elite figure at any level. His wrestling credentials were equally notable, averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Donchenko, 24, was set to be his opponent. The orthodox fighter holds a 15-2 record and brings his own considerable output to the cage, landing 7.15 significant strikes per minute, though at a lower accuracy rate of 60 percent. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, he would have represented a credible and dangerous test.
Why it matters
- Gustafsson's release is health-driven, not performance-driven, leaving his career status genuinely unresolved rather than concluded
- His potential return hinges entirely on satisfying a multi-layered medical clearance process involving both his own doctors and UFC and commission physicians
- Donchenko now needs a new opponent, keeping his own timeline in the division uncertain
