Vince Morales released by UFC for second time after 0-4 second stint

Vince Morales has been released by the UFC for the second time in his career, the promotion confirming the bantamweight’s removal from its roster on Friday, May 30. The 35-year-old went 0-4 across his second stint, falling to Taylor Lapilus, Elijah Smith, Raul Rosas Jr., and Colby Thicknesse.

Morales, who carries a professional record of 16-11, responded to the news on X with a measured post that balanced acceptance with self-belief. “Sad day, makes sense on paper,” he wrote. “I still know how capable I am though. I’ll have some news soon. Cheers fam.”

This is not the first time Morales has navigated a UFC exit. He originally debuted with the promotion in 2018 and compiled a 3-5 record before being cut in 2022. Rather than step back from competition, he rebuilt his standing on the regional circuit, stringing together five consecutive victories — four of them by finish — to earn a second call-up.

His second stint, however, proved a tougher road. All four opponents were considered difficult matchups, a fact that at least one fan pointed out in the replies to his release post. Morales, known by the nickname “Vandetta,” pushed back on any suggestion that the scheduling was unfair to him. “Its all good! I wanted the tough ones,” he replied.

The willingness to seek out difficult competition has defined Morales’ approach throughout his career, even if the results in his most recent UFC chapter did not reflect the effort. With the fighter teasing upcoming news, a return to the regional scene — where he previously thrived — appears the most likely next step.