The UFC has once more made headlines with its latest roster shakeup, parting ways with 4 fighters: Lucas Alexander, Caolan Loughran, Pedro Falcao, and Cortavious Romious. These cuts, confirmed on April 23, 2025, underscore the relentless performance standards and fierce competition that outline the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. For the athletes involved, this marks a pivotal moment of their careers full of uncertainty and potential for reinvention.
The Fighters Who Were Let Go
Lucas Alexander
Lucas Alexander entered the UFC featherweight division with a popularity as a dynamic striker, boasting a Muay Thai background and a flair for flashy techniques. The Brazilian fighter made his promotional debut in October 2022, stepping in on short notice against Joanderson Brito. Despite a tricky loss in his debut, Alexander rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Steven Peterson, showcasing his technical striking, movement, and skill to regulate the pace of a fight.
Nevertheless, subsequent performances saw Alexander struggle to take care of consistency against increasingly tough competition. His recent losses, including a submission defeat to David Onama, highlighted areas where he needed further development, particularly in grappling defense and overall fight IQ. Despite flashes of brilliance and a transparent willingness to evolve, Alexander’s UFC run ends with a record of 1-2 within the promotion. At just 28 years old, Alexander stays a talented athlete with the potential to rebuild his profession on the regional scene or in one other major organization, where his striking acumen could still shine.
Caolan Loughran
Caolan Loughran arrived within the UFC with significant hype, carrying an undefeated record and the Cage Warriors bantamweight title. The Irishman was touted as a future contender, known for his aggressive style, relentless pressure, and well-rounded skill set. Loughran made his UFC debut in September 2023, facing Taylor Lapilus in Paris. Despite a valiant effort, Loughran dropped a choice in a competitive bout, struggling to implement his trademark wrestling against the more experienced Frenchman.
His sophomore outing saw him matched against Muin Gafurov, where Loughran once more found himself on the unsuitable end of the judges’ scorecards. While he demonstrated toughness and flashes of his grappling ability, he was unable to show the tide in his favor. With a UFC record of 0-2, the promotion has opted to release the 27-year-old prospect. Loughran’s youth and pedigree suggest he might be a sought-after free agent, and a return to the European circuit could provide the platform he must regain momentum and potentially earn a second shot at the massive show.
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Pedro Falcao
Pedro Falcao’s tenure within the UFC was temporary but notable, as he entered the promotion with a solid popularity from his time on the Brazilian regional scene and the Contender Series. The bantamweight fighter made his UFC debut in early 2024, taking up fellow newcomer Victor Hugo. Despite a robust start and moments of success in striking exchanges, Falcao ultimately succumbed to a late-fight submission, marking a disappointing begin to his UFC profession.
Falcao’s release comes after only one appearance within the Octagon, a mirrored image of the UFC’s current trend toward quick roster turnover for fighters who fail to make a direct impact. At 29, Falcao still possesses the abilities and experience to compete at a high level, particularly given his background in each striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His next move could see him return to the Brazilian circuit or explore opportunities in other international promotions, where he can proceed to refine his craft and work toward a possible UFC return.
Cortavious Romious
Cortavious Romious, an American featherweight, joined the UFC after constructing a popularity as a gritty competitor on the regional scene, highlighted by his performances in LFA. Making his UFC debut in late 2023, Romious faced a frightening challenge against established competition. His first Octagon appearance resulted in defeat, as he struggled to impose his wrestling and striking against a more seasoned opponent.
Romious’s release after a single UFC fight underscores the unforgiving nature of the promotion, where opportunities are scarce and the margin for error is slim. Despite the setback, Romious’s resilience and work ethic have been evident throughout his profession, and his experience at the very best level will serve him well as he looks to regroup. With a robust wrestling base and a willingness to tackle tough fights, Romious is prone to remain a fixture on the North American MMA scene, where he can proceed to develop and potentially earn one other shot in a significant organization.
