UFC cuts Daniel Marcos despite 18-1 record alongside Vannata, Mullarkey and Morales

The UFC has parted ways with four fighters, headlined by bantamweight Daniel Marcos, who departs with a 5-1 record and one no-contest despite holding an overall professional mark of 18-1 (1 NC). Marcos’s release was confirmed by MMA Fighting.

Marcos last competed in November, submitting Miles Johns with a rear-naked choke. His UFC tenure also included victories over Adrian Yanez, John Castañeda and Davey Grant, with his sole loss coming via decision to Montel Jackson in May 2025. The circumstances of his release are unclear given the strength of that record.

Lando Vannata (12-8-2) is also gone after nearly a decade with the promotion. The fan favourite first appeared in the octagon on short notice against Tony Ferguson in 2016 and built a reputation for entertaining fights, though he won just four of his 14 UFC bouts.

Jamie Mullarkey (18-9) exits following a run that saw him share the cage with highly regarded prospects including Mauricio Ruffy and Nasrat Haqparast. His most recent appearance ended in a defeat to Quillan Salkilld in January 2025.

Vince Morales (16-11) had fought his way back to the UFC in 2024 after winning five consecutive bouts following his 2022 departure, but went winless in four subsequent decisions against Colby Thicknesse, Raul Rosas Jr., Elijah Smith and Taylor Lapilus before being released.