The UFC has released a group of fighters, with longtime lightweight contender Thiago Moises among those removed from the roster. The cuts continue a recent wave of UFC roster changes.
The UFC has parted ways with a group of fighters, with Brazilian lightweight Thiago Moises among those cut from the roster as of June 18, 2026.
Moises, 31, leaves the UFC holding a professional record of 19 wins and 10 losses. Fighting out of American Top Team and competing in the lightweight division, the orthodox fighter stood five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach. During his UFC tenure, Moises averaged 2.48 significant strikes landed per minute at a 42 percent striking accuracy, while also posing a consistent threat on the ground with 1.31 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a well-rounded profile that kept him competitive in one of the promotion's deepest divisions.
Why it matters
- Moises was a recognizable name in the lightweight division, and his release signals the UFC continuing to thin a crowded 155-pound roster.
- His blend of grappling volume and striking output made him a difficult matchup; he figures to attract interest from other major promotions.
- The cuts are part of a broader recent wave of UFC roster changes, suggesting an ongoing organizational effort to reshape fighter rosters across multiple divisions.
