UFC Roster Shakeup: Stamann, Lapilus & More Depart – What It Means

As the MMA world continues to evolve, the UFC roster sees its fair share of shake-ups, and 2025 has been no exception. At the end of February, five notable fighters officially parted ways with the promotion, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike. The UFC, revered as the pinnacle of mixed martial arts competition, often necessitates tough decisions about its roster, where talent, performance, and marketability all come into play. Among those who have exited are Cody Stamann, Jonathan Pearce, Taylor Lapilus, Josh Culibao, and Julio Arce—each with their own unique stories and circumstances leading to their departures. Interestingly, while some were expected exits due to recent performances, others, like Lapilus, have left fans scratching their heads, questioning the criteria for roster retention. In this blog post, we delve deeper into these fighters’ exits, exploring the implications for both their careers and the UFC landscape as a whole.

Recent UFC Roster Exits in February 2025

As the UFC continues to evolve, roster changes are an inevitable part of the sport. At the end of February 2025, five fighters were officially released from the promotion, highlighting the brutal reality of mixed martial arts where not every fighter can maintain their position in the organization. The UFC is known as the pinnacle of MMA, and while many aspire to compete within its ranks, the pressure to perform often leads to difficult decisions for both the athletes and the promotion. The recent departures serve as a reminder that the fight game is not only about skill but also about the ability to captivate fans and secure victories consistently.

News broke via UFC Roster Watch on social media, revealing the exit of Cody Stamann, Jonathan Pearce, Taylor Lapilus, Josh Culibao, and Julio Arce. While some of these departures were anticipated, others took fans by surprise. For instance, Taylor Lapilus, who boasts a respectable 3-1 record in his last four fights, might have been expected to continue his journey with the UFC. However, the speculation around his release points toward issues related to entertainment value rather than performance alone. This trend raises questions about how the organization weighs fight outcomes against a fighter’s marketability.

Cody Stamann and the Reality of Losing Streaks

Cody Stamann’s exit from the UFC comes as no shock to fans familiar with his recent struggles inside the octagon. With a disheartening record of 2-6 in his last eight fights, Stamann’s inability to secure victory has led to his departure from the promotion. His last win was recorded in January 2024, and since then, he has faced a series of tough opponents that ultimately proved too much. The competitive nature of the UFC means that fighters like Stamann, who find themselves on a losing streak, face the very real possibility of being cut from the roster, emphasizing the need for constant adaptation and improvement in a sport that never stands still.

Stamann’s situation serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures athletes face in the UFC. Each fight is a critical moment that can define a fighter’s career trajectory. As he departs the organization, fans are left reflecting on what could have been had he managed to turn his fortunes around. The UFC‘s environment is unforgiving, and for fighters on the wrong side of the win-loss column, the road back to the top can be long and arduous.

Jonathan Pearce’s Struggles in the Octagon

Jonathan Pearce’s exit from the UFC marks the end of a challenging period for the fighter, who has not been able to secure a win since late 2023. His journey in the octagon has seen him face tough competition, including losses to notable fighters like Joanderson Brito and David Onama. Despite showing promise in earlier bouts, Pearce’s inability to turn the tide in recent fights led to a disappointing end to his UFC career. The competitive nature of the lightweight division means that fighters must consistently evolve and adapt, and unfortunately, Pearce was unable to do so during his tenure.

Fans and analysts alike have taken note of Pearce’s potential, but the results speak for themselves. His last fight was in October 2024, and now, as he steps away from the UFC, he must reflect on what went wrong and how he can rebuild his career. The landscape of mixed martial arts is littered with stories of redemption, and many hope that Pearce can find a new path that leads to success, whether in another promotion or through a return to the UFC in the future.

Taylor Lapilus: A Surprise Departure

The release of Taylor Lapilus has raised eyebrows among UFC fans, especially considering his recent success inside the octagon. With a record of 3-1 in his last four fights, his departure seems counterintuitive to many. However, the UFC‘s decision-makers often prioritize not just a fighter’s record but also their ability to engage audiences. Lapilus’ lack of perceived entertainment value might have been a significant factor in the organization’s decision to part ways with him. This highlights the balancing act fighters must perform between winning fights and becoming fan favorites within the highly competitive landscape of the UFC.

Lapilus’s exit serves as a case study in the complexities of fighter retention in the UFC. While he has demonstrated his skill and resilience in the cage, the promotion’s focus on marketability and entertainment can sometimes overshadow mere victory statistics. As Lapilus embarks on his next chapter, fans are left to ponder the implications of this decision and what it means for fighters who find themselves in similar situations. The MMA world is watching closely as he seeks to prove that he still has a place among the elite.

Josh Culibao’s Unfortunate Release

Josh Culibao’s departure from the UFC has stirred a sense of sympathy among fans, particularly because of the close nature of his recent defeats. With two of his last three matches ending in split decisions, many argue that he should have emerged victorious in those bouts. This sentiment resonates with a fanbase that often rallies behind fighters who demonstrate heart and resilience, even in the face of adversity. Culibao’s journey highlights the razor-thin margins that define success in the UFC, where a single decision can alter a fighter’s career trajectory dramatically.

As the dust settles on Culibao’s exit, it’s essential to recognize the challenges that come with competing at the highest level of MMA. The UFC is a relentless arena where every fight is scrutinized, and any slip can result in a fighter being shown the door. While Culibao may not have had the results to secure his place, fans remain hopeful that he can find success elsewhere or work his way back to the UFC. His story serves as a reminder that resilience and determination are just as crucial as skill inside the cage.

Julio Arce’s Mixed Bag of Results

Julio Arce’s recent departure from the UFC comes on the heels of a victory, which is often a rare scenario for released fighters. His win against Herbert Burns via second-round TKO showcased his striking prowess and ability to finish fights. However, the circumstances surrounding his exit are complicated by his earlier weight miss for the match, which may have influenced the UFC‘s decision to part ways. This situation illustrates the multifaceted nature of success in MMA, where not only performance but also professionalism plays a critical role in a fighter’s career longevity.

Arce’s time in the UFC was marked by ups and downs, and his exit serves as a reminder that the promotion’s standards extend beyond just what happens inside the octagon. Fighters must also adhere to strict weight regulations and maintain a professional image. As Arce looks to the future, he will need to address these aspects if he hopes to continue competing at a high level, whether that means returning to the UFC or finding opportunities in another promotion. His story is one of potential unfulfilled, and fans will be eager to see how he navigates this next phase of his career.