Tag: Shane Campbell

20 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2024

Who of these former UFC fighters could get a second chance with the promotion in 2024?

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.

Current roster members Nicolas Dalby, Dustin Jacoby, Modestas Bukauskas, Kurt Holobaugh, Roosevelt Roberts, and Rhys McKee are among those who have reinforced the possibility.

With the new year upon us, here are 20 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2024.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.

UFC veterans in MMA and karate action Dec. 14-17

Check out which veterans of the UFC are competing in combat sports across the globe this weekend.

This week, the UFC wraps up its year with a pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.

UFC 296 takes place at T-Mobile Arena, and features a pair of title fights. In the main event, [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] looks to defend his welterweight title against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag], and [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] defends his flyweight crown against [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag].

Elsewhere, many other combat sports events are taking place that feature a number of familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

Check out which veterans of the global MMA leader are competing Dec. 14-17.

Scroll below to see how the UFC veterans fared last week, and see the names and details of this weekend’s competitors.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023

It’s hard to make it to the UFC once, let alone a second time, but these fighters have a chance in 2023.

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.

In recent memory, others like Brandon Davis, Jesse Ronson, Nicolas Dalby, Chase Sherman, Sean Soriano, and Dustin Jacoby have reinforced the possibility.

With the new year upon us, here are 16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.

UFC veterans in MMA and boxing action May 26-28

Check out which veterans of the UFC are in combat sports action across the globe this weekend.

This week, the UFC is idle after a run of events on seven consecutive weeks.

The next event for the promotion is UFC on ESPN 45 on June 3, which features a flyweight main event between Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi.

Elsewhere, many other combat sports events are taking place that feature a number of familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

This weekend, there are a total of 26 veterans of the global MMA leader competing in MMA and boxing this week from May 26-28.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

UFC veterans in MMA and boxing action March 30-April 1

Check out which UFC veterans are in MMA and boxing action across the globe this weekend.

The UFC idle this week after a trip to San Antonio for UFC on ESPN 43, where [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] picked up a big bantamweight win over [autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag].

Elsewhere, many other MMA events are taking place, including Bellator and PFL kicking off their 2023 regular season. Those events, and others feature a number of familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

This week, there are a total of 32 veterans of the global MMA leader competing in MMA and boxing this week from March 30-April 1.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with March wins

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves.

Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey begins long before they strap on UFC, Bellator, or PFL gloves. Modern-era fighters progress through the regional ranks with hopes of accomplishing the highest accolades. Many will try, few will succeed.

This month, five fighters on the verge of achieving major promotion notoriety – one for the second time – return to the cage for what could be their stepping-stone fight. There are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.

  • A fighter who lost on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 has become the focal point for the UFC president to scout a local show in Boston.
  • An Invicta champion from Brazil continues to build notoriety and her first title defense could propel her to the next level.
  • A rising, 25-year-old welterweight has competed in martial arts for 22 years already, but has bigger and better aspirations on his mind – including being one of the highest-paid athletes ever.
  • An undefeated heavyweight from the northeast United States looks to keep his pristine winning percentage maintained and catch some eyeballs in the process.
  • A former UFC fighter on an incredible win streak hopes another win against a nationally-imported UFC alumnus is enough to get him another opportunity in the biggest of big leagues.

UFC veterans in MMA, kickboxing and bareknuckle action Jan. 18-22

Check out which UFC veterans are competing on the regional scene this week.

The UFC is on the verge of its first pay-per-view event of the year in Brazil for UFC 283.

Elsewhere, many other MMA events are taking place that feature familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner as regional promotions are ramping up after the holidays.

These 14 veterans of the global MMA leader are competing in MMA, boxing and bareknuckle this week from Jan. 18-22.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

UFC veterans in MMA action Dec. 14-17

Check out which veterans of the UFC are in action this week.

This week, UFC Fight Night 216 serves as the promotion’s final event of the year at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Elsewhere, many other MMA events are taking place that feature familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner, including a veteran whose last fight with the promotion was in 2001.

These 7 veterans of the global MMA leader are competing in MMA, boxing and bareknuckle this week from Dec. 14-17.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with March wins

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves.

Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey begins long before they strap on UFC, Bellator, or PFL gloves. Modern-era fighters progress through the regional ranks with hopes of accomplishing the highest accolades. Many will try, few will succeed.

This month, five fighters on the verge of achieving major promotion notoriety – one for the second time – return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fight. There are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.

This month:

  • A wrestler from AKA is excited to finally prove his worth to any major promotion watching when he makes his lightweight debut.
  • A former UFC fighter continues to win and win and win outside of the promotion – and hopes one more victory pushes him over the top and back with the promotion.
  • An undefeated Brazilian wants to capitalize on a big opportunity for LFA in order to climb into the ranks of a major promotion.
  • A British Cage Warriors champion hopes putting a definitive stamp on the lifetime series against a past rival gets him the UFC call.
  • One of the Middle East’s most entertaining fighters looks to extend his winning streak to four and catch the attention of the UFC.

12 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2022

It’s hard to make it to the UFC. It’s even more difficult to make it a second time.

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority of those departing the UFC, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title. Others like Brandon Davis, Jesse Ronson, Nicolas Dalby, Chase Sherman, Sean Soriano, and Dustin Jacoby have reinforced it being possible.

With the new year upon us, here are 12 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2022.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.