In the ever-turbulent world of the UFC, decisions are made, fighters are cut, and fans are often left in a whirlwind of confusion. Recently, UFC CEO Dana White has faced the ire of fandom after the organization axed several fighters. But what exactly is going on behind the scenes?

According to a recent update shared on Instagram by MMA Orbit,  “The following fighters have been removed from the active UFC roster, per UFC Roster Watch: Robelis Despaigne (1-2 in UFC) – HW, Matheus Nicolau (4-3 in UFC) – FLW, Jesse Butler (0-2 in UFC) – BW, Tamires Vidal (1-3 in UFC) – BW, Charalampos Grigoriou (0-2 in UFC) – BW, Vinicius Salvador (0-3 in UFC) – BW and Daniel Pineda (2-4-1 in UFC) – FW”

The list reads like a eulogy for fighters who had yet to find their footing in the Octagon, so what sparked the outcry from the fans? For many, Matheus Nicolau’s exit felt particularly unjust and they weren’t happy with Robelis Despaigne’s unceremonious exit from the promotion either.

Nicolau made his UFC debut in 2015 and was released from the promotion in 2019 which led him to sign with Future FC and later, Brave CF. However, the Brazilian made his return to the Octagon in 2021, winning a bout against Manel Kape. Meanwhile, Despaigne was a 2012 Summer Olympics bronze medalist in Taekwondo and signed with the UFC in 2023. As such, the UFC and boss Dana White’s decision to release them has left the fans puzzled. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!

Fans question Dana White’s decisions as Matheus Nicolau and Robelis Despaigne released from the roster

The fans weren’t pleased with the UFC and Dana White’s matchmaking when it came to Robelis Despaigne as they claimed he wasn’t given a proper chance to establish himself. In his UFC debut, the Cuban heavyweight had made short work of Josh Parisian at UFC 299 but was unable to continue his momentum in his next two outings.

“All they had to do was book Robelis against strikers smh”

Meanwhile, Matheus Nicolau’s record was brought up by one fan as a possible reason behind him being released by the UFC and Dana White. A 7-4 record isn’t too bad considering the caliber of opponents in the UFC, but having lost his last 3-fights in a row, did the promotion make the right call? What do you think?

“Nicolau is 7-4 in ufc”

The Brazilian’s release became a point of contention as one fan claimed that he has only lost to top tier fighters in the Octagon. Nicolau does hold wins over names like Tim Elliott and Matt Schnell, but when faced with Brandon Royval, a former title challenger, he was unable to rise to the occasion.

“Nicolau is a rough cut only lost to the best guys don’t really understand”

When Robelis Despaigne was about to make his UFC debut, he was touted as the next big thing in the heavyweight division. Boasting an 87’ wingspan, the longest in UFC history, his Olympic-level martial arts skills had made the MMA sphere sit up and take notice and with an 18-second KO in his debut, the hype train had begun to chug along. But as the fans pointed out, apparently the train ran out of steam before it could even reach the next station!

“Despaigne hype died quick”

As for Matheus Nicolau, a 71% decision rate in his UFC victories according to Tapology didn’t do him any favors with his perception as a “boring” fighter by the fans. But having amassed 7 wins against elite opposition, his removal from the roster has raised questions about what the UFC and boss Dana White want out of “high-level” fighters.

“Nicolau was boring but clearly high level”

In conclusion, the fan reactions indicate that with Nicolau’s record reflecting both skill and challenges and Despaigne’s rapid ascent and fall, these cuts feel like lost opportunities rather than final judgments. As the dust settles, fans are left questioning whether the UFC and Dana White are casting aside fighters who could still shine with the right matchups. What do you think about the latest round of cuts to the roster being made by the promotion and the boss? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!