UFC releases Antonio Carlos Junior, also parts ways with four others

The UFC has parted ways with three fighters, including “Shoeface.”

The UFC has cut [autotag]Antonio Carlos Junior[/autotag] and four others.

On Thursday, multiple people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the roster moves but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

In late 2020, UFC president Dana White had estimated approximately 60 fighters would be cut in an effort to trim a bloated roster.

“We’re going to go through some serious cuts here at the end of the year. We’re probably going to have 60 cuts before the first of the year. Yoel has lost four of his last five. He’s 44 years old. Our roster is very inflated right now. We’re going to have some big cuts coming before the end of the year. You’re going to see a lot of names going here in the next several weeks. … These are the tough decisions you have to make.”

Check out the recent UFC departures below. The roster moves, unless explicitly noted, are not necessarily a “cut.” The UFC may have elected not to re-sign certain fighters who were at the end of their promotional deals.