The UFC’s roster change reporters are seemingly back online. Per UFC Roster News, the organization recently parted ways with former Ultimate Fighter winner and lightweight hopeful Kurt Holobaugh in a talent sweep. Alongside Holobaugh, the UFC also removed Kiefer Crosbie, Chris Barnett, Quang Le, Rolando Bedoya, and Yanal Ashmouz since November 8.
### Kurt Holobaugh’s Release
Holobaugh is easily the most accomplished name among the group. While he only managed a 2-7 record inside the UFC octagon, he boasts an overall professional record of 21-10. His distinction as a TUF winner continues to stand out in his career highlights.
Holobaugh last fought on May 31, when he was submitted via an anaconda choke by Jordan Leavitt—a technical submission defeat. This marked Holobaugh’s second loss in a row following a unanimous decision loss to Trey Ogden shortly after his TUF victory. He did rebound with a unanimous decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky in July 2024, but that proved to be the last victory of his UFC tenure. In March, Holobaugh dropped a decision to Alexander Hernandez before the submission loss to Leavitt in May.
At 39 years old, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Holobaugh’s UFC career. Given his age and modest UFC success, retirement may be on the horizon. If he chooses to continue fighting, he could be a good fit for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Even there, however, the veteran would face a tough challenge competing against younger fighters.
### Chris Barnett Also Released
Chris Barnett’s release was perhaps predictable but still drew reactions from UFC fans. The distinctly built American heavyweight has been a fan favorite but faced several challenges inside and outside the cage.
Also 39 years old, Barnett was coming off a two-fight losing streak, most recently losing by unanimous decision to Hamdy Abdelwahab on October 25. Additionally, Barnett’s reliability was an issue. Since 2022, he fought only four times, losing three bouts and missing weight for the only fight he won—a KO victory over Jake Collier in September 2022.
Between 2023 and 2024, Barnett was scheduled for four fights. He withdrew from three, and the fourth was canceled when his opponent, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, withdrew in October 2024.
Despite the MMA community’s appreciation for Barnett, his inconsistent fight schedule and age were strong factors favoring removal from the UFC’s already underwhelming heavyweight division.
### What’s Next for the UFC?
We’re less than a week away from UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, promising an exciting night of fights.
Islam Makhachev will look to become the UFC welterweight champion when he faces newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena in the latter’s first title defense. In the co-main event, Weili Zhang will attempt to replicate Makhachev’s feat. After a long reign as the UFC women’s strawweight champion, Zhang is moving up a weight class to challenge fellow future Hall-of-Famer Valentina Shevchenko in one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history.
### UFC 322 Fight Card
**Main Card (PPV) – 10 PM ET**
– Welterweight Title Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev
– Women’s Flyweight Title Bout: Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili
– Welterweight: Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales
– Welterweight: Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
– Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint Denis
**Prelims (ESPN+) – 8 PM ET**
– Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira
– Women’s Flyweight: Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez
– Lightweight: Malcolm Welmaker vs. Cody Haddon
**Early Prelims (ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass) – 6 PM ET**
Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable event as the UFC continues to evolve with new talent and exciting matchups.
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