The UFC has boldly decided to thin its ranks, bidding farewell to over 15 fighters across various weight divisions. Among the latest casualties is Braxton Smith, a heavyweight contender whose departure carries a captivating twist, given the circumstances that brought him to the promotion. Despite his recent arrival just a month ago, Smith’s unexpected debut at UFC 288 ended in a TKO defeat at the hands of Parker Porter, leaving behind a fleeting yet remarkable chapter in his UFC journey.
‘A Beautiful Monster’ has carved a unique path in the MMA world, sporting a remarkable record of 5 victories and only two setbacks. Despite a disappointing debut in the UFC, this formidable fighter left an indelible mark as the former Peak Fighting heavyweight titleholder. With a blend of beauty and beastly power, ‘A Beautiful Monster’ roars in the cage, captivating audiences with its electrifying presence and fierce determination.
As the UFC continues to trim its roster, fan outcry grows louder, echoing the disappointment and frustration over Braxton Smith’s recent departure from the promotion. The octagon’s ruthless axe swings again, severing ties with another talented fighter, leaving fans disheartened and questioning the organization’s decision-making. With each release, the UFC tests the loyalty of its devoted followers, leaving them longing for a brighter future and hoping that their favourite fighters find success elsewhere.
JLuizza reacted: “That’s what happens when you run out of gas in 1 min flat and then don’t know what ground game is or stand-ups or literally anything besides striking lmao.” (an article from sportskeeda.com reported)
Braxton Smith, the relentless force of the UFC! With a fiery spirit and unwavering determination, Smith unleashes chaos in the octagon, leaving opponents trembling in his wake. His lightning-fast strikes and impeccable grappling skills make him a formidable force to reckon with. Braxton Smith’s electrifying presence captivates fans as they eagerly await his next explosive performance. Brace yourself for the unstoppable power of this untamed warrior of the UFC.
In a surprising turn of events, the UFC has raised the stakes in the women’s divisions by signing four promising fighters, effectively silencing the disappointment felt by fans following recent releases.
Melissa Dixon, Shauna Bannon, Luana Santos, and Jacqueline Cavalcanti are the new additions that have sent ripples of excitement through the MMA community. While only one has a scheduled debut in the Octagon, their arrival hints at the organization’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent and ensuring a vibrant future for women’s MMA.
On July 22, brace yourself for an electrifying showdown at UFC London. Bannon, the formidable Irish fighter with an unblemished 5-0 record, aims to make a resounding statement by taking on the indomitable Bruna Brasil in the strawweight division.
Meanwhile, in the women’s bantamweight category, Dixon, the English sensation, and Calvalcanti, the LFA champion, are both hungry for success and ready to leave a trail of destruction on their path to the 135-pound title. Get ready for an unforgettable night of thrilling fights as these rising stars unleash their fighting prowess in pursuit of their dreams.
The UFC landscape has seen shifts in the past week, as noted by the vigilant UFC Roster Watch. Sixteen individuals have bid adieu to the promotion’s website, but their departures carry a myriad of meanings.
Some have seen their contracts expire, while others embark on extended breaks before their return to the octagon. It’s a swirling vortex of possibilities where the ebb and flow of fighters’ destinies continue to shape the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts.
Here is a list of the sixteen fighters recently listed, along with their promotional records:
Enter the tension arena of the UFC Strawweight Division, a competitive arena where participants weigh between 106 and 115 pounds (48 and 52 kg). Athletes who compete in this fierce competition exhibit the ideal balance of force and precision as they unleash their martial arts prowess with unwavering determination.
With an unquenchable drive to win, these extraordinary fighters display their skill in an exciting symphony of technique, agility, and raw strength, mesmerizing spectators with each measured stroke. The octagon becomes a canvas, and these fighters are the paintbrushes, creating a masterpiece of unflinching fortitude and unsurpassed skill.
Strawweight Champion in the UFC as of 2023
Zhang Weili’s fierceness and dexterity culminated in a victory over Carla Esparza on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281 in Madison Square Garden, earning her the coveted UFC women’s strawweight championship. A night of unwavering resolve forever recorded in MMA history. Champion at strawweight in the UFC as of 2023
Top 2023 UFC Strawweight
Rank
Fighter
Record
Win Streak
Result
Last fight
Next fight
C
Zhang Weili
24–3
3
(1 def)
Win
UFC 292 Amanda Lemos
TBD
1
Carla Esparza
19–7
0
Loss
UFC 281 Zhang Weili
TBD
2
Rose Namajunas
11–6
0
Loss
UFC Fight Night 226 Manon Fiorot
TBD
3
Yan Xiaonan
17–3
(1 NC)
2
Win
UFC 288 Jéssica Andrade
TBD
4
Tatiana Suarez
10–0
10
Win
UFC on ESPN 50 Jéssica Andrade
TBD
5
Amanda Lemos
13–3–1
0
Loss
UFC 292 Zhang Weili
TBD
6
Jéssica Andrade
24–12
0
Loss
UFC on ESPN 50 Tatiana Suarez
UFC 295 Mackenzie Dern
7
Virna Jandiroba
19–3
2
Win
UFC 288 Marina Rodriguez
TBD
8
Mackenzie Dern
13–3
1
Win
UFC Fight Night 223 Angela Hill
UFC 295 Jéssica Andrade
9
Marina Rodriguez
16–3–2
0
Loss
UFC 288 Virna Jandiroba
UFC Fight Night 228 Michelle Waterson-Gomez
10
Tecia Torres
13–6
0
Loss
UFC 273 Mackenzie Dern
TBD
11
Amanda Ribas
12–4
0
Loss
UFC on ABC 5 Maycee Barber
UFC Fight Night 232 Luana Pinheiro
12
Luana Pinheiro
11–1
9
Win
UFC 287 Michelle Waterson-Gomez
UFC Fight Night 232 Amanda Ribas
13
Michelle Waterson-Gomez
18–11
0
Loss
UFC 287 Luana Pinheiro
UFC Fight Night 228 Marina Rodriguez
14
Tabatha Ricci
9–1
4
Win
UFC on ABC 5 Gillian Robertson
TBD
15
Angela Hill
15–13
0
Loss
UFC Fight Night 223 Mackenzie Dern
UFC Fight Night 231 Denise Gomes
Strawweight in UFC history
Carla Esparza began her reign in the UFC Strawweight drama by winning the first championship from Rose Namajunas in 2014. The reign was then held by Joanna Jedrzejczyk for an incredible 966 days until Namajunas recaptured it at UFC 217. Prior to Zhang Weili winning at UFC 237 and successfully defending her championship against Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 in a thrilling split decision, Jessica Andrade enjoyed a brief period of dominance in the division.
The NFL is towards a crucial stage as the preseason games come to a close: roster cuts. All clubs are getting ready to introduce the 53 players who have been selected to compete in the forthcoming season’s gridiron matches, as there is much expectation in the air.
At this point, there will be a frenzy of activity as players locate new homes, sign contracts with other squads, or say goodbye to the spotlight of the league. These choices are driven by the unrelenting desire for perfection, which shapes the paths of both seasoned professionals and budding stars.
Players are routinely released or waived in the dynamic world of professional sports for reasons ranging from injury to intense competition in particular positions. Some are able to restart their careers with new teams, while others spend years impressing the 32 teams in the league via practice squads in an effort to get back on the pitch.
Photo: Instagram / Madden NFL 24
Breakdown of NFL roster cuts by team for 2023
Analyze the whole breakdown of NFL roster cuts for 2023 by looking at each team individually. Find out the causes of player release, including any related to strategic position optimization or injuries. Learn about the adventures athletes take to reinvent themselves or how they use practice squads to attract attention in an effort to land a position on the coveted NFL stage.
Team
Roster Cuts 2023
Arizona Cardinals
Waived: Lachavious Simmons – OT
Released: Matt Haack – Punter
Jack Coco – Long Snapper
Colt McCoy – QB
Atlanta Falcons
Waived: Bless Austin – CB
Delontae Scott – DL
Ikenna Enechukwu – DL
Chris Blair – WR
Frank Darby – WR
Released: LaColby Tucker – OL
Justin Ellis – DT
OL Jalen Mayfield
Buffalo Bills
Waived: Cortez Broughton – DT
Jared Mayden – S
DaShaun White – LB
Jace Sternberger – TE
Garrett McGhin – OT
Isaiah Coulter – WR
Dezmon Patmon – WR
Released: Shane Ray – DL
Carolina Panthers
Waived: Antwuan Jackson – DT
Marquan McCall – DT
John Penisini – DT
Bumper Pool – LB
Jalen Redmond – DL
Rejzohn Wright – CB
Josh Thomas – S
Collin Duncan – S
Colby Richardson – CB
Arron Mosby – LB
Larnel Coleman – OT
Gary Jennings – WR
Jake Luton – QB
CJ Saunders – WR
Matthew Wright – Kicker
Chicago Bears
Waived: Kuony Deng – LB
Donovan Jeter – NT
D’Anthony Jones – DL
Bravvion Roy – DT
Jalyn Holmes – DE
Chase Allen – TE
Aron Cruickshank – WR
Alex Leatherwood – OT
Jared Pinkney – TE
Dante Pettis – WR
Joe Reed – WR
PJ Walker – QB
Nsimba Webster – WR
Jake Tonges – TE
Andre Szmyt – Kicker
Released: Jalyn Holmes – DL
Cincinnati Bengals
Waived: Tarell Basham – DE
Cleveland Browns
Waived: Caleb Biggers – CB
Cam Bright – LB
Bubba Bolden – S
Michael Dwumfour – DE
Thomas Graham Jr. – CB
Gavin Heslop – CB
Nate Meadors – S
Chris Westry – CB
Anthony Schwartz – WR
Daylen Baldwin – WR
Miller Forristall – TE
Thomas Greeney – TE
Derrick Kelly – OT
Nate McCrary – RB
Hunter Thedford – OT
Jalen Wayne – WR
Released: Colby Gossett – OL
Jordan Wilkins – RB
Dallas Cowboys
Released: Tristan Vizcaino – Kicker
Denver Broncos
Waived: Delonte Hood – CB
Forrest Merril – DE
Ray Wilborn – LB
Nick Williams – WR
J.J. Koski – WR
Kendall Hinton – WR
Elliott Fry – Kicker
Jack Landherr IV – Long Snapper
Released: Isaiah Prince – OT
Detroit Lions
Waived: Shane Zylstra – TE
Jarren Williams – CB
Logan Stenberg – OL
Saivion Smith – CB
Colby Richardson – CB
Trey Quinn – WR
Darrin Paulo – OL
Scott Nelson – S
Zach Morton – DE
Alex Mollette – OL
Denzel Mims – WR
Mohamed Ibrahim – RB
Daniel Helm – TE
Tae Hayes – CB
Obinna Eze – OL
Derrick Deese Jr. – TE
Avery Davis – WR
Trinity Benson – WR
Released: Christian Covington – DL
Bobby Hart – OL
Germain Ifedi – OL
Jake McQuaide – Long Snapper
Jason Moore – WR
Devine Ozigbo – RB
Ross Pierschbacher – OL
Green Bay Packers
Waived: Jeff Cotton – WR
Jake Hanson – OL
Released: Danny Etling – QB
Chuck Filiaga – OL
La’Darius Hamilton – LB
Camren McDonald – TE
Pat O’Donnell – Punter
Houston Texans
Waived: Jake Bates – Kicker
Victor Bolden – WR
Jacky Chen – OL
Tyree Gillespie – S
Xazavian Valladay – RB
Released: Demone Harris – DE
Darius Phillips – CB
Kendall Sheffield – CB
Christian Kirksey – LB
Indianapolis Colts
Waived: Tyler Adams – WR
Kody Case – WR
Emil Ekiyor – OL
Toriano Clinton – RB
Nick Eubanks – TE
Ethan Fernea, WR
Lucas Havrisik kicker
When are players eligible for practice squad signings?
Players that are waived can shortly join practise squads, usually within 48–72 hours of the deadline, in the world of NFL roster cuts. Teams scramble to sign these possible gems during this short window as they look to improve their squads. It’s a compelling illustration of the sophisticated player management choreography used by the NFL.
Even though the main matches for the year have concluded, we cannot forget the moments that were unbelievably surprising. Shocking UFC Moments. Ultimate Fighting Championship is one the boxing matches that always manage to surprise and shock the audiences with the kind of punches the players have been training to perform in the ring.
Fans have experienced a few moments which left with their jaws on the floor while watching the matches in the ring. This year 2021, has seen its fair share of shocking moments inside the UFC. Some of these moments have made an impact in the minds of the fans. So lets take a look at the 10 most shocking UFC moments of 2021.
10 Most Shocking UFC Moments Of 2021
Here are the top ten moments that stood out in front of fans when the the matches were played for this year 2021. So lets check out and refresh those moments that were unbelievable to look at. The order is in the form of descending order, which is it starts with the number 10 to number one.
10. UFC 257: Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 2
The bout between Poirier and McGregor was just enough to get into the top 10 UFC fights in 2021. Poirier defeated “The Notorious” McGregor in the main event of UFC 257. Even after getting some tough punches from McGregor, midway through the second round, the fight ended with a TKO victory for Poirier.
9. UFC Vegas 20: Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera 2
In 2015, Munhoz won the fight due to the unanimous decision of the judges. What was witnessed is that, the fight between Munhoz and Rivera didn’t go as Munhoz has previously imagined. So, this time “The Young Punisher” came to get redemption. Even though Rivera’s leg looked pretty bad at the end of the fight, “El Terror” didn’t give up.
8. UFC 263: Drew Dober vs. Brad Riddell
The 8th fight on our list is the Dober vs. Riddell. Incase you are wondering what makes this match special is that the two fighters have torn the house down in Glendale, Arizona. Right after the opening sound of the bell, Riddell made an effort to say it out load that he came to the Octagon to win. Undoubtedly, both of them fired some heavy shots during the fight. However the match was dominated by Riddell, who was the better fighter this time.
7. UFC Fight Island 8: Mike Davis vs. Mason Jones
When the names of these two players are announced to feature in a fight ,the Davis vs. Jones fight at UFC Fight Island 8, all we can say that there was no rest given to either of the opponents “Beast Boy” or “The Dragon”. It was witnessed that during the three rounds, an impressive number of 225 strikes were landed. Due to the judges’ unanimous decision, Davis left the Octagon as a winner.
6. UFC Vegas 28: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Miguel Baeza
After the Ponzinibbio vs. Baeza fight at UFC Vegas 28, many people referred the match as the Fight of the year, as it was jaw dropping. It’s not surprising considering the fact that the two welterweight fighters turned the fight into a real war. Ponzinibbio found himself in trouble in the first round but then in the upcoming rounds, he tried to bounce back, which resulted quite impressively. In the end, he defeated Baeza by unanimous decision.
5. UFC 263: Terrance McKinney vs. Matt Frevola
It is known that there is always one such match that gets the semi-stardom with an impressive knockout win. One such event of 2021 was the turn of Terrance McKinney. The lightweight prospect began the year as a complete unknown, but after putting together three wins in a row on the regional circuit, the UFC came knocking at late notice, giving him an opportunity at UFC 262.
4. UFC 266: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega
The fourth thrilling match was witnessed when Volkanovski vs. Ortega had faced each other. This was another epic UFC fight where featherweight champion Volkanovski successfully retained his title against Ortega. Volkanovski had an outstanding performance and controlled the bout from the start. Even though the third round was tough on him.
3. UFC 262: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
The 3rd memorable moment of UFC includes, the Oliveira vs. Chandler was a great. In the first round, Oliveira took Chandler’s back and got his body locked up in a triangle. Later on, at one point Chandler managed to get off the body triangle. Next what happened was, Chandler landed a powerful punch in Oliveira’s face.
Then, in the second round, with a strong punch, Oliveira left Chandler wobbling. From there for Micheal Chandler there was no coming back, Oliveira finished him and won the UFC’s lightweight belt.
2. UFC Vegas 25: Jiri Prochazka vs. Dominick Reyes
At 2nd we have Prochazka vs. Reyes fight at UFC Vegas 25 which ended with one of the most violent KOs in recent years. The light heavyweight fighter Prochazka took complete control at the early stages in the bout by bloodying Reyes’ face. However, Reyes chose not wanting to give up so easily, so he made a comeback with a series of counterpunches. However, the comeback was short-lived, as Reyes was left unconscious by Prochazka’s spinning back-elbow.
1. UFC Fight Island 7: Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar
At number one, that tops the list of the most shocking moment of UFC for the year 2021, we have Holloway vs. Kattar which was UFC Fight Island 7. Both Holloway and Kattar are among the best UFC fighters who play in the featherweight division. This fight could be remembered for many reasons. Firstly, the intensity of the match was phenomenal, as Holloway was pressed to prove his talent after his previous two losses.
Eventually, Holloway was able to keep the pressure on for the full 25 minutes of the bout and beat Kattar. One of the unforgettable moments of the fight was when at one point Holloway shouted, “I’m the best boxer in the UFC, baby!”.
Former champion Stipe Miocic has ignited the buzz in the exciting build-up to the highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Jon Jones and Miocic. Fighters are looking forward to the battle after seeing his Instagram video, which shows how intense his training is. With the stakes raised by Miocic’s perseverance and determination, fans around the world are anticipating this fight as a must-see spectacle.
The video went viral among MMA enthusiasts, inspiring a wave of stunned remarks. Enthralled by the 41-year-old’s abilities, spectators referred to the performance as the “greatest” and described it as akin to a “samurai.” The video not only enthralled viewers, but it also struck a chord as an example of unparalleled skill and respect within the mixed martial arts community.
With a massive matchup between Stipe Miocic and Jones for the heavyweight title, UFC 295 is scheduled to take place in Madison Square Garden on November 11. An exciting battle between Pereira and Prochazka for the title of light heavyweight is the co-main event. This fight bill offers incredible action and moments that will be remembered, with elite talents like Dern, Andrade, and Gordon in the mix. Prepare yourself for a historical night in UFC history.
Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones
Following his defeat to Ngannou in March 2021, Stipe Miocic has not been seen in the UFC until UFC 295, where he is preparing for an enormous fight against Jon Jones. Miocic is so confident despite his break that he highlights how ‘Bones’ has to contend with his skills. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting UFC 295 because of the thrilling anticipation his return brings to the MMA scene.
“[I think] my speed, my angles [and] I think punching power [will give him problems]. I hit a lot harder than people think. I think I have a great IQ. I always change it up and when something happens, I’ll figure a way out… It’s what the fans want to see. It’s a fight he wanted, a fight I wanted. Two of the best going at it, nothing gets better than that.” an article from sportskeeda.com mentioned.
