5 UFC fighters you didn't realize were released in 2021

2021 has heralded the debuts of a number of exciting new additions to the UFC, with the likes of Paddy Pimblett, Ian Garry and Alex Pereira all making an instant mark in their respective divisions.

However, as always, with any new additions to the UFC's roster, there must also be departures. A relatively significant number of fighters were released from their contracts this year to make room for the new signings.

In the following list we will be going over five fighters that were released from the UFC in 2021. Honorable mentions go to Randa Markos, Felice Herrig and Roosevelt Roberts.

#5. Modestas Bukauskas - UFC light heavyweight

Modestas Bukauskas came to the UFC in 2020 after securing the Cage Warriors light heavyweight title. 'The Baltic Gladiator' made an instant impact on fans of the UFC, defeating Andreas Michailidis in his debut fight.

UFC Fight Night: Bukauskas v Michailidis

He was then matched up with Jimmy Crute, another big prospect in the 205lb division. Crute handed Bukauskas the first loss of his UFC career, winning via KO in the first round.

However, Bukauskas returned in 2021 with a strong performance against Michał Oleksiejczuk that went the full three rounds. Many fans had 'The Baltic Gladiator' up on their scorecards come the end of the fight. However, two of the judges did not share this sentiment, and Bukauskas lost via split decision.

This was no doubt a hard pill to swallow for Bukauskas, but he returned to the octagon six months later, set to start afresh. However, Khalil Rountree would land a sickening stomp on Bukauskas' knee, instantly ending the fight.

This resulted in the former Cage Warriors champion being on a three-fight losing streak, which was enough for the UFC to part ways with him. Bukauskas is still only 27 years old, and has vowed to return to the UFC as an improved fighter.

#4. Andrew Sanchez - UFC middleweight

The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 23, Andrew Sanchez has been a staple of the UFC's middleweight division for the past 6 years. 'El Dirte' holds wins over a number of legitimate opponents, including Khalil Rountree and Marc-Andre Barriault.

However, Sanchez has gone 1-3 in his last four fights in the UFC. His last two fights both ended in KO losses, as Makhmud Muradov and Bruno Silva both finished him in the third round.

Sanchez's last win was over Wellington Turman in 2020, a fighter who is currently 2-3 in the UFC. Prior to the Turman win, Sanchez lost a decision to Marvin Vettori, who is admittedly a very high-level opponent.

However, one win in four fights is never a good look, and the UFC saw it as reason enough to release 'El Dirte'. It is not yet clear as to whether Sanchez intends to continue with his MMA career.

#3. Darren Stewart - UFC middleweight

Darren 'The Dentist' Stewart is another UFC veteran who signed with the promotion in 2016. During his time with the UFC, Stewart competed at both middleweight and light heavyweight, going 5-8, with two No Contests.

His release from the UFC comes after Stewart amassed three losses and a No Contest in his last four bouts. He was unable to overcome Kevin Holland, Dustin Jacoby and Eryk Anders respectively.

In the past, Stewart has shown glimpses of promise, having submitted Maki Pitolo and knocked out Eric Spicely. However, the lack of consistency ultimately cost 'The Dentist' his place in the UFC. Stewart has since stated that it is his goal to return to the UFC in the future.

#2. Demian Maia - UFC welterweight

A true legend of the UFC, Demian Maia's illustrious career with the promotion came to an end following the resolution of UFC 263. Maia's bout with Belal Muhammad marked the last fight on his contract. Whilst the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist hinted that he was interested in re-signing for a fight with a fellow veteran like Nate Diaz, Dana White poured cold water on the idea.

Ultimately it is probably the right choice for Maia to depart the UFC at this time. He is currently 44 years old and on a two-fight losing streak, having come up short against the aforementioned Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns.

Maia leaves the UFC with an impressive pro MMA record of 28-11, having gone 22-11 for the promotion. Maia competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, only losing out to the very best.

Over the course of his 20 year career in the sport of MMA, Maia defeated some all-time greats including Chael Sonnen, Jorge Masvidal and Carlos Condit. It does not seem likely that fans will see Maia compete in MMA again.

#1. Jimmie Rivera - UFC bantamweight

At one point in time, Jimmie Rivera looked near unbeatable. In 2017, 'El Terror' held a record of 21-1, having torn through a number of high-level UFC opponents, including Urijah Faber, Pedro Munhoz and Thomas Almeida.

UFC 203: Stipe Miocic v Alistair Overeem

However, in 2018, Marlon Moraes handed Rivera his first loss in the UFC. 'El Terror' did bounce back well, defeating John Dodson later that year but was ultimately unable to regain his form.

Rivera's next two fights ended in losses, as both Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan were able to pick up decision victories over him. As it happens, Sterling and Yan are now the 135lb champion and interim champion respectively.

Rivera's last two fights for the promotion ended in a win over Cody Staman and a highly entertaining loss to Pedro Munhoz. It does seem somewhat bizarre that the UFC would not extend Rivera's contract, considering he is a fan favorite action fighter who has only lost to the very best the UFC has to offer.

However, 'El Terror' has since announced he will be entering the world of bare knuckle boxing, so it may well be that his departure from the UFC was a mutual decision.

Edited by John Cunningham