UFC cuts fighter after 95-second KO loss compounded three-fight Octagon nightmare
02/19/2025 05:22 AM
UFC Vegas 102 has resulted in one middleweight fighter being cut by MMA’s premier promotion.
On Saturday, Dana White‘s league put on another show at the APEX Facility in Las Vegas.
In the main event, Jared Cannonier survived two early knockdowns to stop Gregory Rodrigues inside four rounds.
On the undercard, Ronda Rousey’s ex-training partner, Edmen Shahbazyan, revived his career with a 95-second knockout that earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and led to his opponent’s removal from the UFC roster.
Dylan Budka announces UFC release
On Tuesday, Dylan ‘The Mindless Hulk’ Budka announced he’s been cut by the UFC following his quick loss to Shahbazyan.
"As of today, I'm no longer in the UFC," Budka wrote on his official Facebook page.
"I dared to be great, and I failed. That’s what comes with taking the chance. Everyone prepares to make it to the top, but they don't prepare what to do when the top is took from them.
"But I do know, I am thankful for my friends, family, and supporters. I am thankful for my sponsors, my fans, and partnerships. And I will continue to promote all the wonderful businesses around me to the fullest I can.
"We are in talks with other promotions already and I will be making the move to welterweight to start the next chapter of my career.
"This isn't over, and my story isn't done. I'll be back where I'm meant to be, I just have to fix some things first. Just a little bump in the road that I didn't see on the way to what I wanted.
"I love you all, and I can't wait to fix the mistakes and figure out where my new home is that I will be entertaining you all on your screens at home will be at until we make it back to the UFC again.
"Never stop being mindless! Till next time world. – Hulk"
Dylan Budka’s nightmare UFC run
Budka’s UFC release wasn’t about just one bad performance – he’s had three chances inside the Octagon.
The 25-year-old was snapped up by the big UFC boss after impressing him during a decision win on the Contender Series in 2023.
Cesar Almeida made sure his UFC journey got off to an awful start by knocking him out inside two rounds.
Next time out, Budka went the 15-minute distance with Andre Petroski – but he was easily beaten again.
Shahbazyan compounded his nightmarish run in the big league at UFC Vegas 102 this past weekend.
Budka now boasts a 7-5 record and has work to do if he wants to make his way back to the UFC.
Still, he’s young enough to make the improvements needed to become an MMA contender.
Only time will tell if he’ll ever get another crack at the UFC, but it seems clear that’s what he wants.
