Surprise UFC Roster Cuts Include Big Names

Another six fighters have had their names removed from the UFC's roster, including a 15-fight company veteran and a former ranked featherweight.

Jonathan Pearce, Cody Stamann, Josh Culibao, Taylor Lapilus, Julio Arce and Kleydson Rodrigues are all no longer on the UFC.com roster.

Jonathan Pearce (5-4 in UFC):

"JSP" was at one time 5-1 in the UFC and ranked in the top 15 featherweights in the world, but after three straight defeats the American has parted ways with the promotion.

His highlights include beating: Christian Rodriguez, Makwan Amirkhani, and Darren Elkins.

Cody Stamann (7-7-1 in UFC):

15-fight UFC veteran Cody Stamann is no longer in the UFC's books after losing six of his last eight.

Stamann finished his UFC stint with an even record despite fighting the likes of current champion Merab Dvalishvili, former champion Aljamain Sterling, Song Yadong and other elite level bantamweights.

Josh Culibao (3-4-1 in UFC):

Australia's Josh Culibao leaves the UFC with three consecutive losses. The 30-year-old took on Jalin Turner, Lerone Murphy, Charles Jourdain, as well as a spectacular submission win over Melsik Baghdasaryan.

Taylor Lapilus (6-2 in UFC):

Potentially the most surprising name on the list in that of Frenchman Taylor Lapilus, making it the second time he has been released by the UFC. Lapilus is 21-4 in his professional MMA career and has won eight of his last nine.

Julio Arce (6-4 in UFC):

The 35-year-old was signed to the UFC after a knockout win on the Contender Series. Since, Arce beat Dan Ige by decision, and most recently finished Herbert Burns last year.

Kleydson Rodrigues (1-3 in UFC):

Rodrigues' UFC highlight came in a 59 second knockout win in February 2023, but aside from that, "KR" lost on three occasions and missed weight twice.

Featured image: Flickr, Source(https://www.flickr.com/photos/cantbecool/48185557036)