Norma Dumont exits UFC with two fights remaining and eyes boxing move in 2027

Norma Dumont has left the UFC after eight years and 13 fights, the Brazilian featherweight announced on social media on Tuesday, confirming she requested and was granted an early release with two bouts still remaining on her contract.

Dumont, 36, compiled a 9-4 record inside the octagon — with notable victories over Germaine de Randamie, Irene Aldana and Ketlen Vieira — before back-to-back decision defeats to Joselyne Edwards and Ailin Perez brought her UFC tenure to a close. She trained out of the storied Chute Boxe Academy throughout her run with the promotion.

“I still had two fights left on my contract with the organization,” Dumont said, “but even before my last fight, when I still had three fights remaining, I already had information that the UFC probably wouldn’t renew my contract once those fights were over. So I started thinking, there’s no way I’m going to reach the title with only two fights left.”

Dumont described the UFC as the stage on which she “built my career, made my money, changed my life and the lives of the people around me” — and where she met her boyfriend, UFC middleweight prospect Marco Tulio. The couple had discussed retiring from the sport to start a family, but a pair of attractive outside offers has persuaded Dumont to compete into 2027.

“We were approached by a major boxing promotion,” she said, “which I have to admit is more appealing to me at the moment because I’ve always wanted to have a boxing match. It’s a major event, which is incredible. Spending this final year competing in boxing would be amazing for me.”

A title fight from an unnamed MMA organisation is also on the table, and Dumont acknowledged both options are financially compelling. Despite keeping the details confidential while negotiations continue, she made her preference clear.

“I have to admit that I’m leaning a little more toward boxing,” Dumont said. “I think it would be a really cool transition, an incredible opportunity, and I felt that excitement again. I believe you’ll see me boxing next year.”

No opponent, promoter or date has been confirmed for either potential bout.