Nine fighters were recently handed their Ultimate Fighting Championship walking papers, including featherweight staples Leonard Garcia, Bart Palaszewski, Antonio Carvalho and Pablo Garza.
The fighter exodus is the latest example of the cuts UFC President Dana White promised in February. White explained that the promotion had 475 competitors under contract, and estimated that 100 fighter cuts were on the way. The UFC’s roster has expanded in recent times due to several factors, including the development of the flyweight and women’s divisions and an influx of Strikeforce talent.
Garcia exits the UFC on the heels of five straight losses, and Palaszewski posted a three-fight skid on his way out the door. Meanwhile, Garza had lost three of his last four bouts, while Carvalho was released following a technical knockout loss to Darren Elkins at UFC 158.
Duran leaves the organization following back-to-back setbacks, and Holobaugh was released following a unanimous decision defeat to Steven Siler in his Octagon debut. Meanwhile, “TUF 15” alums Sam Sicilia and Justin Lawrence were dropped after two straight losses, as was Japanese talent Issei Tamura.