UFC Vegas 102 Outcomes: Potential Contenders Up for Potential Release Post Defeat
Dana White and the UFC team have been cutting numerous fighters from the roster in recent times, and it's often possible to foresee which ones are on the chopping block even before the news breaks. After UFC Vegas 102, four fighters who fell short in their bouts might be on the brink of getting cut.
Dylan Budka
At just 25 years old, Budka is still young in the fight game, but the UFC might see a parting of ways as advantageous for both parties. With a stoppage loss to Edmen Shahbazyan's KO performance, this becomes his third consecutive loss. Budka has struggled since his impressive victory on Dana White's Contender Series in 2023. His 0-3 record on the main roster and a missed weight cut ahead of his loss to Andre Petroski in 2024 paint a discouraging picture. It's plausible that Budka will choose to refine his game with a smaller promotion before aiming for a return to the UFC.
Connor Matthews
Matthews is slightly less at risk than Budka but still faces a potential release. He has lost his last two fights and both have resulted in stoppage losses. After getting knocked out by Dennis Buzukja and Jose Delgado on the main roster, his future with the UFC remains uncertain. Matthews might receive one more opportunity to prove himself before a potential release.
Vince Morales
Morales seems to be in a complex situation as he possesses the talent required for the UFC. Nonetheless, his record of 3-8 with the world's leading MMA promotion compared to a 6-0 record outside the UFC indicates a struggle within the octagon. His last win came against Louis Smolka in 2021. As Morales is an exciting fighter, he could earn one more chance in the UFC before potentially being released.
Don'Tale Mayes
Don'Tale Mayes might have already scratched the surface of his potential UFC tenure. As he enters veteran territory at 35 years old, the promotion may have less patience with his performance. He's been on a mediocre run, with just one win against Andrei Arlovski, a fighter well past his prime, in five fights. Two consecutive losses impacted his rank, dropping him to No. 15. With a lackluster performance at UFC Vegas 102, and four losses in the previous six fights, it seems likely that Mayes will be released in the near future.
- After UFC Vegas 102, the UFC results showed that Dana White and his team might be considering cutting several fighters, as four fighters who performed poorly in their bouts might be on the brink of getting released.
- One of these fighters who might be at risk of being released is Dylan Budka, who suffered a stoppage loss to Edmen Shahbazyan, making it his third consecutive defeat in the UFC.
- Vince Morales, despite having the talent necessary for the UFC, might also face a potential release due to his record of 3-8 within the promotion compared to a 6-0 record outside of it.
- Connor Matthews, while not as at risk as Budka, could still face a potential release after suffering two consecutive stoppage losses in the UFC.
- Don'Tale Mayes, who is 35 years old, might have already reached the end of his UFC tenure as he's been on a mediocre run with just one win in five fights and has been dropping in the rankings.
- After a lackluster performance at UFC Vegas 102 and four losses in his previous six fights, it's likely that Mayes will be released by the UFC in the near future.
- Despite facing potential release, all these fighters might use this as an opportunity to refine their games, aim for a return to the UFC, or prove themselves in smaller promotions.
