Report: UFC releases 8 fighters

The UFC continues to keep it's roster in flux with another batch of apparent fighter releases.

It's been a slow return to something resembling normalcy for the the UFC. There was a point, not long ago, where Tim Burke handed in his hockey stick and stopped writing the cut list (I don't know why he felt the need to do the former) just because the UFC wasn't releasing talent in predictable ways anymore. Fighters were getting 3rd, 4th, and sometimes, even 5th chances, despite multiple losses and underwhelming performances. In that same time, the UFC was also signing just about every available fighter they could get their hands on, bringing on 20-30 fighters a month. Those days are behind us.

Now, the UFC is running much closer to their 2011-2012 process. Over the past few months they've brought in about 6-10 fighters a month and cut just as many... Which of course, brings us here. UFCFIGHTERSiNFO, over on Twitter, first reported the apparent changes to the UFC's online roster, which almost always indicates a fighters release from his UFC contract. Getting the chop this time around were Patrick Walsh, Josh Shockley, Ruan Potts, Richardson Moreira, Jake Lindsey, Andy Enz, Rodrigo de Lima, and Josh Copeland.

The only small surprise (and it's a very small one) is Patrick Walsh, whose 1-1 record hardly lines him up as a fighter likely to be tossed out on his ear. However, as a former TUF talent, fighters in his situation are often on a very short leash through their first three Zuffa bouts, and missing weight by 6.5 lbs in an ugly loss to Daniel Kelly likely cemented his pinkslip more than anything else.

While it's not particularly surprising, it is a little unfortunate to see Josh Copeland on his way out of the UFC. He's a heavyweight who almost certainly has the athletic talent to compete in the division, but got there ahead of his skills. That problem was made especially tough against two very singularly skilled opponents in technical kickboxer Ruslan Magomedov and decorated wrestler Jared Rosholt. More time to develop and I could easily see him back in the UFC, but he'll need to use that time to fill in his skill gaps.

Walsh is the only cut confirmed so far, as he's already booked to compete at World Series of Fighting 20, back at light heavyweight, but stay tuned as we'll provide updates if or when they become available.