The UFC has recently cut top-5 ranked women’s bantamweight fighter Ketlen Vieira despite a successful unanimous decision win against Jacqueline Cavalcanti just days ago at UFC Vegas 117. Vieira’s official UFC athlete profile on the promotion’s website lists her as “not fighting,” while MMA Fighting reporter Guilherme Cruz also confirmed several other fighters were released from the roster, including Ivan Erslan, Tuco Tokkos, and Daniel Barez:
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UFC Roster Watch on X, which has been an accurate source for tracking the organization’s roster movement, also posted news of her release:
Why Was Vieira Released?
Vieira, who hails from Brazil, had an up-and-down career in her last six UFC bouts. In that six-fight run, she lost to eventual UFC women’s bantamweight champions Kayla Harrison and Raquel Pennington. She did, however, notch wins over Pannie Kianzad, Macy Chiasson, and most recently, Jacqueline Cavalcanti.
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Ketlen Vieira punches Jacqueline Cavalcanti Ed Mulholland-Getty Images
Before that six-fight stint of trading wins and losses, she defeated two legendary names back-to-back in Holly Holm and Miesha Tate.
While no statement has been made by the UFC nor Vieira herself, the UFC brass likely chose to release her due to her penchant for winning by close decisions, a style that is not necessarily the most fan-friendly. In general, the UFC has had struggles solidifying a solid roster of fighters in the women’s bantamweight division that will entertain a casual crowd and compete with the champion.
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Still, if the UFC seeks to develop competition in this division, it is a perplexing decision to release someone who is ranked in the division’s top 5, especially if they won their most recent fight.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: Bryan Battle reacts after a TKO victory against Kevin Jousset of France in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The Accor Arena on September 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Bryan Battle / Getty Images
It is not unheard of, however, as fighters with winning records like Javid Basharat and Brian Battle have been released from the roster within the last year.
Other Released Fighters
Outside of Vieira, light heavyweights Ivan Erslan and Tuco Tokkos were also released, despite both men fighting each other this past weekend on the same card as Vieira and Cavalcanti.
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Spanish fighter Daniel Barez was also cut from the UFC after amassing a losing 1-3 record in the organization, most recently suffering a decision loss to Luis Gurule on the same card.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
