It’s hard to make it to the UFC.
Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.
Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.
When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”
Easier said than done.
For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.
With the new year upon us, here are 22 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2025.
Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.
Dakota Bush
Age: 30
Weight class: Lightweight
Overall record: 14-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 6-0
Dakota Bush was in and out of the UFC in less than one year. He lost to Austin Hubbard, then Viacheslav Borshchev. After his release, his name was in the mix for “The Ultimate Fighter 31.” He didn’t get selected, nor did he get discouraged. Since his departure, Bush has rattled off an impressive six victories – all over opponents with veteran winning records. He’s the Nemsis Fighting Alliance lightweight champion, too. The stars certainly appear to be aligned for Bush in 2025.
Shane Campbell
Age: 36
Weight class: Lightweight/Welterweight
Overall record: 22-8 MMA, 1-4 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 12-2
The UFC isn’t looking for 36-year-olds. We hear that every summer during Dana White’s Contender Series (though a few “old” guys still are usually onboarded). If the UFC is ever in the market for a 36-year-old, however, Shane Campbell should be their guy. Since his five-fight stint that lasted from 2015 to 2016, Campbell has improved leaps and bounds – all the while maintaining a tremendously exciting style. Look at his head-kick-to-flying-knee knockout of fellow UFC alum Darrell Horcher. You’d be lying saying the UFC wouldn’t love that sort of highlight inside its cage.
Alex da Silva
Age: 28
Weight class: Lightweight
Overall record: 24-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 3-1
From 2019 to 2022, Alex da Silva only competed four times in the UFC. He compiled a 3-1 record. All four of his fights went the distance and he was not renewed. However, Silva has looked like a new man during his time competing for UAE Warriors. After a close split decision in his first bout post-UFC, da Silva defeated Ali Mashrapov before he won title gold in 41 seconds against Bagysh Zharmamatov. In January, he defeated rising Dinislam Kamavov. Another win or two could land da Silva another UFC opportunity.
Kyle Daukaus
Age: 31
Weight class: Middleweight
Overall record: 15-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 4-0
Kyle Daukaus showed flashes of promise during his first UFC stint when he defeated Dustin Stoltzfus and Jamie Pickett and took on the likes of Kevin Holland, Roman Dolidze and Brendan Allen. Ultimately, the UFC split with Daukaus after a 2-4 stint that also included one no contest. Daukaus returned the regional scene with a vengeance, however. He’s gone 4-0 for CFFC, the old stomping grounds on which he punched his ticket to the UFC to begin with. He’s the CFFC middleweight champion once again and has finished three of his four opponents during that stretch. The UFC middleweight division could use finishers, and it could use Kyle Daukaus.
Nick Fiore
Age: 27
Weight class: Lightweight
Overall record: 9-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 3-0
Nick Fiore’s career has been a bit unusual, but the ends could justify the means. Highly touted, Fiore made the jump up to the big leagues before he had a lot of regional seasoning and took on a beastly Mateusz Rebecki on short notice. He lost that fight by unanimous decision, the same unfortunate result for Fiore that he’d encounter against Chase Hooper. From there, it was back to the lab with the New England Cartel. He’s racked up three straight finishes with wins over Carson Frei, Gustavo Franca and Saul Almeida.
Damir Ismagulov
Age: 33
Weight class: Lightweight
Overall record: 26-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 2-0
It’s a little unclear what Damir Ismagulov’s status is at this point in time, but he’s one hell of a fighter. In 2023, Ismagulov announced his retirement due to health issues. Less than one month later, he elected to fight out his contract vs. Grant Dawson. Ismagulov lost the bout and despite his impressive record, including a 5-2 stint in the UFC, did not renew with the company. Back in his native Kazakhstan, Ismagulov is wrecking folks. In September, he landed a nasty spinning back kick knockout against Oberdan Tenorio.
Anthony Ivy
Age: 34
Weight class: Welterweight
Overall record: 15-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 7-3
Not many fighters are able to turn a career around like Anthony Ivy has. After a five-fight losing skid that began with his UFC debut and included three knockout losses, Ivy won, won and won again. He won seven times in a row, in fact. Every single one of them has been a finish. Five of those have been rear-naked chokes. Opponents with 12-8, 11-5, 14-13, 12-3, 11-6, 5-0 and 16-6 records have fallen victim to Ivy’s finishing abilities. Is 34 too old to get your second UFC opportunity? Maybe. But it appears Ivy is going to do everything he can to convince the UFC otherwise.
Mason Jones
Age: 29
Weight class: Lightweight
Overall record: 15-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 4-0
It was surprising to many when Mason Jones was shown the door by the UFC. It’s even more surprising now. A tremendously talented young fighter, Jones has proven himself to be a step above any and all in Cage Warriors. This means it’s time to pick up where he’s left off in the UFC. His first stint saw wars against Mike Davis and David Onama, two extremely talented opponents. With four wins since his departure including three TKOs, you have to think he’s on the tip of Sean Shelby’s texting fingers for a UFC call up soon.
Saidyokub Kakhramonov
Age: 29
Weight class: Featherweight
Overall record: 11-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 1-0
Another strange release in recent years was Saidyokub Kakhramonov, who went 2-1 in the UFC with his only loss a fight he was winning against Said Nurmagomedov prior to the finish. Kakhramonov has only competed once since his UFC departure. The bout lasted 55 seconds when he quickly ended 14-3 opponent Rafael Costa. He’s competed a few times for Karate Combat since then, going 3-0 with two finishes. Still, the UFC call hasn’t come. It’s unclear what’s going on with Kakhramonov and why he was released. But if the UFC is not interested in a second chance, it’ll be a shame. Kakhramonov is quite the talent.
T.J. Laramie
Age: 27
Weight class: Featherweight
Overall record: 14-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 2-0
T.J. Laramie entered the UFC with a lot of hype at 22 in 2020. His first stint was a two-and-out with losses to Darrick Minner and Pat Sabatini. But that doesn’t mean his UFC story is over. In June 2023, Laramie returned for his first post-fight UFC competition and choked out Neftaly Martinez to win BTC gold. He defended that title five months later against Terry Lemaire with a TKO stoppage. Should Laramie defeated Joash Walkins (16-1), he’ll definitely fall back on the UFC radar – particularly with a rumored Canada event coming up in the first half of 2025.
Lorenz Larkin
Age: 38
Weight class: Welterweight
Overall record: 27-8 MMA, 5-5 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 8-3 with one no contest
The UFC isn’t known to onboard former fighters about to turn 40 who departed the promotion in the prime of their career for more money. However, the MMA landscape is in a strange spot right now. Perhaps Lorenz Larkin will be a more likely fit for GFL, a promotion that’s snagging many notable veterans – but the UFC should reunite. Larkin departed Bellator at a point in his career at which he continued to prove himself competitive, exciting and destructive. Since the start of 2018, he’s gone 9-1 with one no contest. He could spice up the welterweight division a bit more and provide some fun fights before it’s time to hang up the gloves.
Nick Maximov
Age: 27
Weight class: Middleweight
Overall record: 10-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 2-0
A member of the Nick Diaz army, Nick Maximov seemed like he had more to show when his UFC departure came. A slick grappler with a good personality, Maximov should be a welcome re-addition to the UFC middleweight division. He first finished fellow UFC alum Elias Urbina in Round 1 for Fury FC, then claimed Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat gold with a unanimous decision win over Kevem Felipe.
Muhammad Mokaev
Age: 24
Weight class: Flyweight
Overall record: 13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 1-0
The best flyweight on Earth might not even be in a major promotion. One of the most highly debated and discussed UFC departures in recent memory, Muhammad Mokaev was not renewed by the promotion for what seems like a myriad of reasons – but inability to win was not among them. Fight style, fight week antics and behind-the-scenes behavior all seemed to contribute. But if peace can be reached between the two parties, Mokaev is a no-brainer to return – maybe even in a title fight scenario.
Albert Morales
Age: 33
Weight class: Featherweight
Overall record: 17-9-1 MMA, 1-4-1 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 10-5
It’s been nearly six years since Albert Morales stepped foot inside the UFC cage, but he hasn’t given up. While he’s had losses even outside the UFC, some things remain true. He’s not an easy outing for an opponent. Perhaps he’s a long shot, but the current five-fight winning streak he’s on makes him a little shorter.
Carlos Mota
Age: 29
Weight class: Flyweight
Overall record: 8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 0-0
Carlos Mota had a lot of hype when he entered his short-notice UFC debut. He came up short against Cody Durden by unanimous decision – and then things went from bad to worse. Mota failed a USADA drug test and was suspended two years. He was released from the promotion following the sanction. It’s unclear what sort of second chance opportunities the promotion will be willing to give him. But time heals all wounds – and so does winning exciting fights.
Kris Moutinho
Age: 32
Weight class: Bantamweight
Overall record: 14-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 5-0
Kris Moutinho will likely always be known for his gutsy UFC 264 performance against Sean O’Malley on a few days’ notice. However, the blue-collar New Englander doesn’t seem comfortable letting that fight be his entire story. He told MMA Junkie in May he wants to be known as “more than just a chin.” Moutinho has reinvented himself with the New England Cartel, winning five fights in a row inside the distance.
Luis Saldana
Age: 33
Weight class: Featherweight
Overall record: 18-7-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 2-0
Luis Saldana was fun while he lasted in the UFC. Despite a successful four-fight UFC stint with a 2-1-1 record, Saldana was not renewed. After an absence from competition approaching two years, Saldana returned in May. He racked up back-to-back finish victories in 2024, so maybe Sean Shelby will get him a redial sometime soon.
Igor Severino
Age: 21
Weight class: Bantamweight
Overall record: 9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 1-0
Igor Severino’s UFC departure came with all-time unusual circumstances, so it’s hard to get a taste for what the future will hold. Will the UFC bring back a fighter who bit his opponent in the cage? Will the UFC forgive the 21-year-old for such a flagrant foul? It’s hard to tell. But for now Severino is tied to European promotion OKTAGON. The terms of the deal are unknown and perhaps Severino can’t even get out of that contract. However, if he’s able and the UFC is willing, Severino should find himself back on the roster. Perhaps more time will be needed and we’re looking at 2026 or 2027 as a more realistic option. But this is MMA, and stranger things have happened.
Eric Shelton
Age: 33
Weight class: Bantamweight
Overall record: 20-8 MMA, 2-4 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 7-3
It appears Eric Shelton needed to take a few steps backward to take even more forward. Following his departure in 2019, Shelton went right back to the drawing board, taking on some of the toughest bantamweight and flyweight tests the regional scene had to offer. He lost, but won more. He’s currently on a five-fight winning streak that includes three finishes, two regional titles (Caged Agression and Synergy FC) and victories over 12-1, 7-1, 8-1, 10-4 and 11-3 opponents. That track record speaks for itself.
Bruno Souza
Age: 28
Weight class: Featherweight
Overall record: 13-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 3-0
A protege of the Machida brothers, Bruno Souza had hype and notoriety when he entered the UFC as an LFA champion. Losses to Melsik Baghdasaryan and Luis Saldana led to a quick exit. Since then, Souza has alternated between Karate Combat and MMA. While he’s had mixed results in karate competition, he’s undefeated at 3-0 in MMA since his UFC departure. He’s the current Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat champion with his first title defense scheduled for February against rising prospect Chris Mecate. Could another win or two get him back in the promotion? It sure seems so.
Jared Vanderaa
Age: 32
Weight class: Heavyweight
Overall record: 16-11 MMA, 1-6 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 4-1
Jared Vanderaa had plenty of opportunities to prove himself in the UFC, seven to be exact. While he only scored one victory across those outings, Vanderaa has once again established himself as a successful regional heavyweight. He currently rides a four-fight winning streak with three finishes and is the Fierce FC champion. It would not be shocking if Mick Maynard elected to go elsewhere for a short-notice heavyweight opening, but if he needs someone who appears to be anyone, anywhere, anytime, Vanderaa fits that billing.
Darian Weeks
Age: 31
Weight class: Welterweight
Overall record: 8-3 MMA, 0-3 UFC
Record since UFC departure: 3-0
Darian Weeks fought Bryan Barbarena, Ian Machado Garry and Yohan Lainesse before he was released from the promotion. All three of those bouts went the distance, however. Back on the regional scene, Weeks has won three consecutive fights. He faces DWCS alum Donovan Beard next. Will No. 4 in a row be the charm for another UFC call?
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: 22 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2025
