UFC in Hot Waters as Fighters Speak Out about Their Sudden Release

At the beginning of 2026, UFC commenced a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. The promotion closed a seven-year media rights deal with Paramount, making Paramount+ and CBS their exclusive domestic broadcast partners.

Since this major deal, UFC has reportedly become more careful about which fighters they would keep in the organization. In the recent past, UFC has released some fighters who were still performing well, and this has led to a debacle as fighters have opened up about their unexpected departures.

Javid Basharat Moved onto PFL 

Javid Basharat is currently buckling up for his fight against Movsar Ibragimov in PFL. After his sudden exit from the UFC, Basharat joined PFL and is waiting for his scheduled debut matchup to unfold on Aug. 22. Basharat had to bid farewell to the UFC in February 2026, and he has now revealed how the situation surrounding his exit was unclear.

“You know, I’m not going to speak about this now because it was really messy, honestly. One day I’ll speak about it, but this is the first time I’m talking about it. It was one of the messiest things because my opponent missed weight, so it was my last fight on my contract. My opponent missed weight by five pounds, and then there were a couple of things that happened behind the scenes. It was just super messy,” shared the 30-year-old Afghan-born English fighter with MMA Fighting.

He further added, “When it happened, I didn’t even know what to make of it, but, in a way, I didn’t even care because, honestly, it was nothing really in my control. A lot of miscommunication, and yeah, it was just one of those… It was a weird thing. Maybe I’ll go into detail with it later, but right now, I don’t really have all the facts myself, you know? So that’s why I don’t want to speak too much about it.”

Daniel Marcos Breaks Silence on UFC Release

UFC’s decision to part ways with Basharat turned out to be unexpected, as he was standing with a record of 15-2. However, alongside Basharat, other fighters too have opened up about unexpected releases. Daniel Marcos parted ways with UFC in May 2026. He was removed by UFC from their active roster after the promotion chose not to renew his contract.

Daniel Marcos shared with MMA Fighting, per Essentially Sports, “More than anything, I was surprised. I asked myself, ‘Why? Why did this happen?’ I had only lost once in my entire career, so I didn’t understand what was going on. As I said, I can’t control what other people decide to do, but I’m still grateful to the UFC for giving me the opportunity and for helping showcase me to the world.”

Marcos will be fighting against former UFC veteran Magomed Magomedov at PFL Tampa: Cyborg vs. Vieira on Aug. 22. 

Ketlen Vieira Opens Up on UFC Exit After Leaving as Top-5 Contender

Ketlen Vieira also left the UFC in May 2026. Her departure turned out to be shocking as she secured her win against Jacqueline Cavalcanti at UFC Vegas 117 the very same month. However, unfortunately, the Brazilian fighter was abruptly cut from the roster. 

“I left the UFC as a winner. I left as a top-5 fighter, as a future title challenger, especially because all the other girls were coming off losses. It doesn’t really make sense because I was the only one coming off a win to be fighting for the title. Anyway, I’m very grateful to the UFC for everything it provided in my life,” said Vieira, per Essentially Sports. 

‘Fenômeno’ further added, “They gave me a name. In the morning, I received the news, and by nighttime, another major event was already interested in me, so I can’t be ungrateful to the UFC or to everyone there who gave me the opportunity to change my life, and they did change my life. But today I’m focused on this new chance, this new opportunity in the PFL.”

Vieira had spent almost a decade as an UFC fighter before her contract was not renewed this May. The 34-year-old fighter departed the UFC with a record of 16-5. She is now a PFL fighter and is all geared up to debut against Cris Cyborg in PFL Tampa on Aug. 22.