Latest Roster Changes

UFC Roster Shakeup: Tony Ferguson Cut, Signs with GFL

The MMA world was shaken recently as the UFC officially parted ways with veteran fan favorite Tony Ferguson. A fighter who once held a 12-fight winning streak and captured the imagination of fans with his wild fights and unorthodox style, Ferguson now finds himself at a career crossroads.

Despite his impressive legacy, Ferguson’s recent performances have painted a stark contrast to his peak years. The 39-year-old has been trying to halt an 8-fight losing streak, though it’s worth noting that his recent losses came against top-tier competition, including Michael Chiesa, Paddy Pimblett, Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. Few fighters in the UFC could weather such a gauntlet.

In an exciting twist, Ferguson has reportedly signed with the up-and-coming Global Fight League (GFL). This move could offer Ferguson the chance to reignite his career, as GFL continues to build a reputation for welcoming high-profile names and showcasing entertaining matchups. For fans of “El Cucuy,” this transition might provide a fresh start and a fitting stage for a final run in the sport.

December 2024: A Wave of UFC Cuts

Ferguson’s departure isn’t the only roster shakeup the UFC has seen recently. The final month of 2024 marked a significant downsizing, with several notable names removed from the roster for various reasons.

The Retirements

Stipe Miocic: The former heavyweight champion officially retired following his UFC 309 loss to Jon Jones, a fight that marked the end of his legendary career.
Damon Jackson: After being submitted by Jim Miller at UFC 309, Jackson announced his retirement, capping off a career that saw him fight some of the best in the division.
Jack Shore: A surprising retirement came from Shore, who stepped away from the sport at just 29 years old, citing a loss of motivation. He now plans to dedicate himself to coaching.

Performance and Weight Misses

Gabriel Benitez: Benitez was let go after losing two straight fights and struggling to make weight multiple times.
Jared Gooden: Gooden faced the axe following a loss to Chidi Njokuani and his third weight miss with the promotion.
Abu Azaitar: Azaitar’s inactivity, losses, and past issues with USADA led to his release, effectively marking the end of his UFC journey at 38.