The UFC has made significant changes to its roster, releasing notable fighters including Kron Gracie, Hakeem Dawodu, and Connor Matthews. This news comes from Borrachinha Depot, which reported on the departures Thursday night.
Kron Gracie, a member of the iconic Gracie fighting family, is perhaps the most recognized among the trio. At 36, Gracie has established himself as a legend in jiu-jitsu. His initial foray into mixed martial arts showed promise with victories over fighters like Tatsuya Kawajiri and Alex Caceres. However, a damaging defeat to Cub Swanson in 2019 interrupted his career trajectory. Since that fight, he has competed just twice, falling to Charles Jourdain and Bryce Mitchell, with the latter match culminating in a brutal knockout that ended his chance at the “Flattest Motherf—ker Belt.”
Hakeem Dawodu has had a more extensive career in the UFC, having fought 10 times with a record of 6-4. He enjoyed a brief surge in popularity after winning five consecutive fights, including noteworthy performances against Zubair Tukhugov and Julio Arce. However, he struggled after facing Movsar Evloev in June 2021, leading to a decline that saw him lose two of his last three fights, including a controversial decision to Cub Swanson. Dawodu’s lengthy absence from the cage likely contributed to his release.
Connor Matthews, who was signed from the Contenders Series, had a challenging stint in the UFC, suffering defeats in all three of his bouts, the latest being a first-round submission loss to Yadier del Valle.
These roster changes highlight the competitive nature of the UFC and the difficulties fighters face in maintaining their positions within the promotion. While some of the released fighters had impressive beginnings, the evolving landscape of the UFC means that performance consistency is crucial. The hope remains that these athletes will regroup, learn from their experiences, and find success in future endeavors, whether in or out of the octagon.