Brace yourself for a bombshell in the MMA world: Two fighters have been cut from the UFC roster following the Mexico City event, including a Middleweight with a shocking 0-4 record. But here's where it gets controversial—was this fighter's signing one of the biggest blunders in UFC history? Let’s dive into the details and let you decide.
The aftermath of UFC Mexico City has officially kicked into high gear. On Monday, March 2, 2026, reporter Guilherme Cruz broke the news that two fighters—Jose Medina and Felipe Bunes—have been removed from the UFC’s active roster. This means they’ve either been outright released or their contracts weren’t renewed. Both fighters competed at the recent UFC Mexico City event, and their departures have sparked intense debate among fans and analysts alike.
Jose Medina’s UFC journey is particularly polarizing. With an 11-7 record, Medina earned a UFC contract during Season 7 of the Contender Series, despite losing a lopsided 30-27 decision to Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (who, ironically, was later released). UFC CEO Dana White cited Medina’s “heart” and emotional display during the bout as reasons for signing him—a move that many critics argue was more about showmanship than skill. Medina’s Octagon performances were brutal: he went 0-4, serving as a stepping stone for rising stars like Ateba Gautier, Zach Reese, and Ryan Gandra, who dispatched him in just 41 seconds at UFC Mexico City. Despite his poor record, Medina holds the distinction of being only the second Bolivian fighter to compete in the UFC. But here’s the burning question: Was his signing a misguided attempt to replicate the Nate Diaz persona, or was there genuine potential that simply didn’t pan out? And this is the part most people miss—Medina’s story raises broader questions about the UFC’s talent scouting and signing criteria.
Felipe Bunes’s tenure wasn’t much smoother. The former LFA Flyweight champion signed in 2023 but faced immediate setbacks. His debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov was canceled due to a failed pre-fight drug test. When he finally stepped into the Octagon in 2024, he was knocked out in the second round by current champion Joshua Van. After a year-long hiatus, Bunes rebounded with a first-round submission win over Jose Johnson in 2025, but he then lost his next two fights, including a defeat to Edgar Chairez in Mexico City. He leaves the UFC with a 1-3 record, leaving fans to wonder if his potential was ever fully realized.
Here’s where the controversy deepens: Were Medina and Bunes given a fair shot, or were they set up to fail? Did the UFC prioritize spectacle over substance in their signings? And what does this say about the organization’s commitment to developing talent versus cutting losses quickly? These questions don’t have easy answers, but they’re worth discussing. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.
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