UFC parts ways with two more fighters, including Jon Jones’ longtime training partner

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight division is shrinking by the minute.

In the latest round of roster cuts, Don’Tale Mayes and Ivana Petrovic have been removed from UFC active’s roster, meaning they have been released from their respective contracts and/or the promotion decided not to extend them.

Social media account Borrachinha Depot shared the news earlier this week.

Mayes, age 33, has been on the UFC roster since 2019, and it took two appearances on Contenders Series to earn his spot. He struggled initially, dropping his first pair of bouts to Ciryl Gane and Rodrigo Nascimento. He went on to win three of his next five, however, including a career-best KO over Andrei Arlovski (watch it).

Unfortunately, “Lord Kong” has lost his last three bouts, including a decision defeat last weekend at UFC Des Moines opposite Thomas Petersen. Mayes has the dubious honor of being the only Heavyweight in UFC history to lose two fights via heel hook, and he’s also known for being a longtime training partner of Heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones.

All told, he ends his UFC career with a 4-7 (1) record. After Mayes’ release, the Heavyweight division has just 31 fighters left. For some context, a healthier division like Lightweight has 120 active competitors.

Photo by Randy Thomas/Getty Images

Petrovic has been released after a loss at UFC Des Moines as well. She faced The Ultimate Fighter champion Julianna Miller on the “Prelims,” losing an uneventful decision. Prior to that defeat, Petrovic sandwiched a single submission victory over Na Liang between decision defeats to Jamey-Lyn Horth and Luana Carolina.

The 30-year-old Norwegian standout exits with a 1-3 UFC record.