Trey Waters has officially been released from the UFC and has signed with the PFL. Waters made the move after the UFC failed to book him for a fight, prompting him to seek opportunities with a new promotion.
Trey Waters has officially departed the UFC and signed with the Professional Fighters League, the promotion confirmed ahead of the move taking effect in late June 2026.
Waters, known as "The Truth," leaves the UFC with a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses. The 31-year-old American trains out of Ludus MMA and competes as an orthodox striker. At six-foot-five with a 77-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence in his division. His output inside the cage backs that up — Waters lands 6.39 significant strikes per minute, a notably high volume for any fighter at any level, though his striking accuracy sits at 44 percent. He also adds a modest grappling dimension, averaging 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
According to the report, the UFC's failure to schedule Waters for a bout was the driving factor behind his departure. Rather than remain inactive, he opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere, landing with the PFL.
Why it matters
- Waters brings a high-output striking game to the PFL, where he will be a credible threat in whatever division he enters
- His 9-2 record and physical tools — six-foot-five frame, 77-inch reach — make him an immediate name in any PFL bracket
- The UFC's inability to keep him active raises questions about roster management, particularly for fighters outside the ranked tiers
- For the PFL, landing a fighter with Waters' finishing ability and striking volume strengthens their heavyweight or light heavyweight pool
