News Summary

The UFC has announced the release of four fighters as it prepares for the final events of the promotion in 2025. Irina Alekseeva, Justin Tafa, Brogan Walker, and Andre Muniz have been cut from the roster following disappointing performances. This decision coincides with the lead-up to UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar, a significant event for both the UFC and the region’s fanbase. The promotion aims to expand its presence in the Middle East, showcasing established fighters alongside newcomers to engage fans during this landmark occasion.

Doha

The UFC has officially cut four fighters from its roster as preparations begin for the promotion’s final events of 2025. The fighters removed are Irina Alekseeva, Andre Muniz, Justin Tafa, and Brogan Walker. This decision comes as the UFC gears up for a nine-week series of consecutive events, culminating in the historic UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar, set for November 22.

Irina Alekseeva, who competed at UFC Rio on October 11, experienced a tough outing where she was submitted by Bia Mesquita in the second round. Alekseeva entered the UFC with promise, having secured a submission victory over Stephanie Egger in her debut, but her UFC journey has come to an end following a disappointing three-fight losing streak.

Justin Tafa has had a challenging run in the octagon, not having fought since February, when he was stopped in just 35 seconds by Tallison Teixeira at UFC 312. The fighter withdrew from two scheduled bouts—one at UFC 317 and another at UFC Perth—concluding his UFC career with a record of 4 wins, 5 losses, and one no contest.

Brogan Walker, previously a contestant on Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter, also faced adversity. After returning from a two-year hiatus, Walker lost both her fights in 2023, including a recent decision loss to Veronica Hardy at UFC 320.

Andre Muniz wrapped up his UFC tenure after 10 fights in the promotion, finishing with a record of 6 wins and 4 losses. His recent performance included a defeat to Brendan Allen in 2023, capping a run where he went 1-4.

The cuts come at a pivotal moment for the UFC, which is set to make its debut in Qatar with the upcoming Fight Night event. UFC Doha is marked as a significant milestone for both regional fans and the promotion’s global expansion strategy. This event is expected to enhance the UFC’s presence in the Middle East, which has been a strategic focus for the organization.

In conjunction with this event, UFC President Dana White has underscored the importance of expanding the promotion’s reach worldwide, with Qatar being highlighted as a key new location for hosting major fights. The Doha event will not only showcase established fighters but also introduce newcomers to the UFC audience.

Among the fighters making their promotional debuts at UFC Qatar are Marek Bujlo and Jose Luiz, both holding promising records in their careers and anticipated to attract attention. In addition, Ryan Loder and Ismail Naurdiev will face off in a middleweight bout, with both fighting to improve their records.

Tickets for the UFC event in Doha will be available through the UFC’s official website, where fans can register for access and be a part of this landmark occasion. The UFC promises an exhilarating night of fights that will engage and entertain fans, and signify the organization’s ascendance in the rapidly evolving landscape of mixed martial arts in the Middle East.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• SI.com: UFC Headliner and TUF Finalist Roster Cuts
• Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
• MMA Junkie: TUF 33 Winner Morales Meets Schnell
• Google Search: UFC Doha
• UFC.com: UFC’s Historic Fight Night Debut in Qatar
• Google Scholar: UFC Event Qatar
• Sherdog: Top UFC Qatar Lineup
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ultimate Fighting Championship
• MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 111 Adds Medic vs. Salikhov
• Google News: UFC Roster Cuts

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.