Chris Barnett was released by the UFC following his unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab, according to reporting that cited multiple people with knowledge of the promotion's plans. The news surfaced after Barnett was removed from the UFC roster, making the move official in practical terms. It matters because Barnett had long been a recognizable heavyweight name, and roster cuts affect his immediate future in MMA. The report was published during the requested window but describes a development tied to UFC management rather than an in-cage result.
Chris Barnett has been cut from the UFC roster following his unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab, with multiple people familiar with the promotion's plans confirming the move. Barnett's removal from the official UFC roster made the decision apparent before any formal statement, effectively closing his chapter with the organization.
Barnett, known by the nickname "Beastboy," compiled a 23-10-0 professional record over a career that made him one of the more recognizable personalities in the heavyweight division. The 40-year-old American, who trains out of XFC, stands five-foot-nine with a 75-inch reach — a notably compact frame for a heavyweight. His fighting style leaned heavily on the feet, where he averaged 3.36 significant strikes landed per minute at 47 percent accuracy. Takedowns and submission attempts were essentially absent from his game, making him a pure standup fighter in a division where versatility often determines longevity at the highest level.
Why it matters
- Barnett's release removes a fan-favorite heavyweight from the UFC roster at age 40, likely signaling the end of his time competing at the sport's top level
- His purely striking-based style and modest frame for the division left him with a narrow path to wins against elite heavyweights
- The cut opens questions about where Barnett lands next, as regional promotions and Bellator-successor organizations often absorb veteran UFC talent
- Roster cuts at heavyweight can shift the divisional picture by creating openings for prospects working their way up
