Gilbert Burns of Brazil reacts after defeating Mike Davis during their lightweight bout at UFC Fight Night. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Dana White had confirmed that the UFC was going to make some major roster cuts soon
UFC Welterweight contender Gilbert Burns had some major concerns for the upcoming roster cuts Dana White had spoken about.
While White had earlier in the year suggested that there would be no job losses in the UFC due to Covid-19, things seem to have changed come the end of the year.
White was speaking to the media after the Jack Hermansson vs Marvin Vettori Fight Night event and was asked about another released star.
Yoel Romero, who is one of the biggest names, was released by the UFC. Romero had lost four of his last five fights, but that was against some of the best in the division too.
However, The Soldier of God was let go despite having three fights on his contract. White also spoke about the age of Romero before shocking the world by saying that 60 names would be cut before the end of 2020.
Getting cut from a promotion isn’t a big deal normally as a fighter can sign up for a rival. However, in these times, a lot of promotions are not signing new names regularly.
Burns hoped that all those getting cut had some money saved and also that they would take the right step next:
Fighters are only paid for each clash they participate in. They are not given monthly salaries and most of them have between three to five fights in a year, at max.
The top stars don’t even fight more than twice a year and it will be interesting to see which other big names are on the chopping block.
White has been signing a lot of fresh talent thanks to the Contender Series, and that could be one reason why others are being released.
Having five young names coming through the ranks and fighting regularly could be better than having one 40-year-old who fights once a year.
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