The Ultimate Fighting Championship has cut five fighters from its roster on March 11, 2026, continuing efforts to manage its mixed martial arts talent pool. The released fighters include Kris Moutinho, Phil Rowe, Gavin Tucker, Erik Silva, and AJ Cunningham, several of whom recently competed at UFC Mexico City. This move follows the promotion's recent events, including UFC 326.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials removed five fighters from the active roster on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as reported by MMA journalists Tom Feely and Guilherme Cruz. The cuts affect Kris Moutinho, Phil Rowe, Gavin Tucker, Erik Silva, and AJ Cunningham, signaling ongoing roster management amid the promotion's busy schedule.
Kris Moutinho (14-8), a 33-year-old bantamweight, exits with a 0-4 UFC record across two stints. He first gained attention for a near-three-round survival against Sean O’Malley in July 2021, earning a Fight of the Night bonus despite a late knockout loss. Subsequent defeats to Guido Cannetti, Malcolm Wellmaker, and Cristian Quinonez at UFC Mexico City led to his release for the second time.
Phil Rowe (11-7), who earned his contract via Season 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, fought nine UFC bouts but missed weight three times. The welterweight secured four wins—against Orion Cosce, Jason Witt, Niko Price, and Ange Loosa—before recent losses to Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani, ending on a two-fight skid with a 4-5 record. Injuries and inconsistency marked his tenure.
Gavin Tucker (13-3), a Canadian featherweight, retires after a promising run derailed by injuries. He posted a 4-3 UFC record, including a Performance of the Night submission over Justin Jaynes and a win against Billy Quarantillo. His final bouts were losses to Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, the latter in August 2023.
Erik Silva (9-4), a 38-year-old Venezuelan featherweight from Season 6 of Contender Series in 2022, went 0-3 in the UFC, all by finish. His latest was a first-round submission to Francis Marshall at UFC Mexico City on February 28, following a leg injury against Muhammad Naimov and a loss to TJ Brown.
AJ Cunningham (11-5), known as “The Savage,” finished 0-2 after short-notice appearances. He lost his debut to Ludovit Klein by first-round stoppage and his follow-up to Su Young You. After announcing retirement due to injury, he signed with Dirty Boxing Championship.
These releases join earlier cuts from the Mexico City card, including Felipe Bunes and Jose Medina, as UFC prepares for upcoming events like UFC Vegas 114.
