Latest round of UFC roster cuts prompts one fed-up fighter to quit MMA altogether

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues to trim its expansive roster of mixed martial arts (MMA) talent.

MMA reporter Guilherme Cruz revealed today (Weds., April. 9, 2025) that three more fighters were released from their respective contracts and/or the promotion decided not to extend them.

The fighters who lost their spot on UFC’s active roster include Diana Belbita, Seung Woo Choi, and Istela Nunes.

Belbita (15-10) got ahead of her release by walking away from the sport altogether to start a new chapter in her life (details here).

The 28-year-old Romanian dropped her last three bouts, with two ending in finishes, including her most recent submission loss to Dione Barbosa. She did secure two victories inside the Octagon, defeating Hannah Goldy and Maria Oliveira.

Belbita departs the promotion with a 2-6 record.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Choi (11-8) faced misfortune in his 2019 debut, drawing the still-unbeaten top contender Movsar Evloev. After losing his second fight to Gavin Tucker, he bounced back with three consecutive wins, including a standout victory over Youssef Zalal that has aged like wine.

However, the South Korean fighter stumbled, losing five of his last six fights, capped by a brutal knockout at the hands of UFC newcomer Kevin Vallejos at UFC Vegas 104 (watch highlights).

Choi leaves the promotion with a 4-7 record.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Nunes (6-6) failed to secure a single victory inside the Octagon, finishing with a 0-5 record in the promotion.

The Brazilian notably endured a horrific elbow dislocation against Victoria Dudakova, sidelining her for two years (watch here), before returning to lose a lackluster decision to Loma Lookboonmee last weekend at UFC Vegas 105.

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