At first sight, the news seemed harsh. Brad Tavares, a 15-year UFC veteran with 26 fights, was suddenly removed from the active roster. There was no farewell or press release—only a quiet disappearance. For a fighter who went the distance with future champions and never stirred controversy, the silence spoke louder than any announcement. Had Dana White made another brutal decision during the recent cut? After days of misunderstanding and speculation, we finally know why he is no longer on the UFC roster.

However, the truth is not as cruel as many had imagined. According to UFC journalist Damon Martin, Tavares was not cut or released; rather, his contract expired. There were no covert firings, no punishment, and no political involvement. His contract expired, and the UFC has yet to sign him to a new deal. It’s a quiet pause rather than a final goodbye, but for fans who expected him to stay following a recent victory, it’s still an odd decision. Tavares had recently defeated Gerald Meerschaert and definitely looked far from finished.

The Hawaiian middleweight has been a regular in the UFC since his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz. Over the years, he faced some of the division’s toughest names—Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Chris Weidman—and established himself as one of the most durable and technical fighters. His 16 wins in the UFC middleweight division tie him with Michael Bisping for the most in history, a statistic that quietly solidifies his reputation even though his departure was not acknowledged.

It’s unclear whether this is a temporary hiatus or a full farewell. Tavares is still only 37, sharp, and capable of playing with top-tier players. If the UFC does not invite him back, there is a good chance another promoter would. But if this actually marks the conclusion of his career in the Octagon, it does so without controversy or decline—with a peaceful, almost poetic pause in the story of a fighter who always showed up, win or lose. But apart from Brad Tavares, who are the other fighters who have been let go by Dana White?

Other fighters who join Brad Tavares after Dana White’s major cut

Brad Tavares’ discreet exit was not an isolated incident; it was part of a bigger, more troubling trend. UFC fans hardly had time to digest his absence before a slew of other names dropped off the roster. Dana White’s recent cuts, conducted with cold efficiency, are defining what some refer to as the UFC’s silent restructuring.

Tavares, while still capable, made one of the most gracious exits. Others, however, were not so fortunate—many were let go after crushing defeats or behind-the-scenes conflicts, regardless of recent victories or longstanding loyalty.

Names such as Cody Stamann and Kleydson Rodrigues were not as surprising. Stamann has lost three fights in a row, his last one ending in a swift submission. Rodrigues was in a similar predicament, having lost two fights in a row and missing weight, one of which resulted in the cancellation of a fight entirely.

Jonathan Pearce‘s consecutive losses, including a quick submission to Pat Sabatini, sealed his fate as well. These weren’t just struggling competitors; they were falling, and the UFC, in the midst of what Ariel Helwani ominously dubbed a “MMA recession,” didn’t hesitate to tighten its belt.

However, not all releases made sense. Fighters like Julio Arce and Taylor Lapilus were not struggling; rather, they were rising. Arce had just earned a knockout victory, while Lapilus had a 6-2 UFC record and two consecutive victories. Nonetheless, both were cut. Why? Rumors about Arce’s ongoing weight concerns may have played a role. For Lapilus, the answer is ambiguous, and it is this ambiguity that stings the most.

These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re fighters whose arcs were severed mid-climb. And if this is where the UFC is going, it raises a question that fans may not want answered: Is winning enough anymore? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.