Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:39:28 +0000
UFC President Dana White has initiated a series of roster adjustments in the lead-up to UFC 322, releasing three fighters alongside a heavyweight competitor, despite a recent victory. These changes reflect the promotion’s ongoing strategy of evaluating performance and strategically shaping the roster.
Just weeks before UFC 322, White finalized the release of three fighters: Rolando Bedoya, Quang Le, and Yanal Ashmouz. Bedoya, with a four-fight losing streak, and Le, who had only one win in three attempts, were deemed surplus to requirements by the organization. Ashmouz, with a 2-2 record across four fights, also faced elimination.
The decision to release Ashmouz, despite a winning record, highlights a potentially stringent criteria for maintaining a position within the UFC. Furthermore, White’s recent action of releasing heavyweight Hamdy Abdelwahab, who secured a victory at UFC 321, underscores the promotion’s intolerance for lackluster performances. Abdelwahab’s fight was characterized as “boring” by many observers.
The release of these fighters occurs as the UFC continues to strategically build towards its upcoming event. While several heavierweights currently hold losing records, the criteria for release remains somewhat opaque.
Valter Walker, another fighter who secured a win at UFC 321, swiftly challenged Abdelwahab to a potential showdown, a challenge that will not materialize. Josh Hokit has subsequently issued his own call-out to Walker.
Looking ahead, the UFC roster remains fluid, and further cuts are anticipated in the coming weeks. The organization’s future signings will be closely watched as it seeks to optimize its talent pool for the period leading up to and including UFC 322. Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on these roster movements in the comments below.