Doha, Qatar, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The UFC has announced the release of four fighters as it prepares for the busy schedule leading up to the inaugural Fight Night in Doha. Notable names cut include Irina Alekseeva, Andre Muniz, Justin Tafa, and Brogan Walker. This decision aligns with UFC’s strategy to optimize its roster for upcoming events in various locations, emphasizing their expansion into the Middle East. Fans eager to attend UFC Doha, scheduled for November 22, can register for ticket access through the official UFC website.
Doha, Qatar – The UFC has announced that it has cut four fighters from its roster as the organization gears up for a busy slate of events in 2025 culminating in the inaugural Fight Night in Doha on November 22. The notable fighters released include Irina Alekseeva, Andre Muniz, Justin Tafa, and Brogan Walker.
The cuts come in anticipation of a nine-week series of consecutive events that kicked off with UFC Perth on September 27. This stretch is significant not only for its frequency but also for its geographical expansion, marking the UFC’s first event in Qatar, which Dana White, UFC’s president, has described as a major milestone for the promotion’s global presence.
Irina Alekseeva, who most recently competed at UFC Rio on October 11, has been on a troubling downward trend. After securing a victory over Stephanie Egger in her UFC debut, she has since lost three consecutive bouts, including a second-round submission defeat to Bia Mesquita.
Justin Tafa last saw action at UFC 312 in February, where he suffered a quick defeat to Tallison Teixeira, being stopped in just 35 seconds. Tafa had withdrawn from two scheduled matches, including fights at UFC 317 and UFC Perth, concluding his UFC tenure with a lackluster record of 4-5 and one No Contest.
Brogan Walker, who earned her shot in the UFC through Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter, has struggled since her return from a two-year hiatus. She lost both of her fights in 2023, including a decision loss to Veronica Hardy at UFC 320.
Meanwhile, Andre Muniz, who had a ten-fight career in the UFC, finished with a record of 6-4. His career had been rocky, with a recent performance resulting in a defeat to Brendan Allen and an overall record of 1-4 in his last five fights.
The UFC’s expansion into Qatar is considered a major strategic move, as the organization continues to explore new territories for its events. This effort underscores the promotion’s commitment to growing its market share in the Middle East. The Fight Night event in Doha is also expected to debut new fighters, including Marek Bujlo and Jose Luiz, who will be making their promotional debuts, as well as Ryan Loder and Ismail Naurdiev, both seeking to enhance their records.
Fans interested in attending UFC Doha are encouraged to register for ticket access via the official UFC website.
Upcoming Events and New Fighters
The Fight Night in Doha will not only mark the promotion’s first foray into Qatar but also promises exciting matchups with newcomers making their debuts. The focus is on building a robust event schedule that caters to fans in a rapidly growing market.
Summary of Fighters Cut
| Fighter | UFC Record | Last Fight Result | Notable Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irina Alekseeva | 1-3 | Lost by submission | Three-fight losing streak |
| Andre Muniz | 6-4 | Lost | 1-4 in last five fights |
| Justin Tafa | 4-5, 1 NC | Lost in 35 seconds | Withdrew from two scheduled fights |
| Brogan Walker | 0-2 | Lost by decision | Returning from two-year layoff |
Conclusion
The UFC’s upcoming events, particularly the debut in Qatar, signify the organization’s strategic expansion and ongoing efforts to tap into new markets. The cuts of these fighters, while disappointing for them and their fans, reflect the competitive nature of the sport as the UFC continues to prioritize high-performing athletes to provide the best possible experience for its audience.
FAQ
What fighters were cut from the UFC roster?
The fighters cut from the UFC roster include Irina Alekseeva, Andre Muniz, Justin Tafa, and Brogan Walker.
Why did the UFC cut these fighters?
These cuts were made as the UFC prepares for a busy schedule of events, which involves optimizing roster strength ahead of their Qatar event.
When is the UFC Fight Night in Doha?
The UFC Fight Night in Doha is scheduled for November 22, 2025.
How many events are lined up before the Doha event?
The UFC has a series of nine consecutive events lined up leading to the Doha Fight Night.
How can fans get tickets for the event in Doha?
Fans can register for ticket access via the official UFC website at UFC.com/Qatar.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- SI.com: UFC Headliner and TUF Finalist Roster Cuts
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- MMA Junkie: TUF 33 Winner Morales Meets Schnell
- Google Search: UFC Doha
- UFC.com: UFC’s Historic Fight Night Debut in Qatar
- Google Scholar: UFC Event Qatar
- Sherdog: Top UFC Qatar Lineup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 111 Adds Medic vs. Salikhov
- Google News: UFC Roster Cuts
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