Following recent roster update, UFC cuts ties with fighter

Survival of the fittest is not just a saying but it is a way of life in the UFC.

Athletes are charged with the task of continuously staying ahead of their competition in their division but keeping their bodies in shape as well.

Recently, the UFC released a young fighter from their roster. This just highlights how challenging the sport can be.

Even established fighters with extensive resumes aren’t excluded from the chopping block after a time of inactivity.

According to Borrachinha Depot on X, Antonina Shevchenko, sister of current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko, has been officially removed from the promotion’s active roster.

Antonina entered the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series. Antonina’s record reflects that she has lost three of her last five bouts, a factor that is not necessarily a bad statistic in the UFC.

The issue with Antonina is not her wins and losses but her inactivity. Her most recent fight occurred in July 2022.

She narrowly escaped with a with a split-decision win over Cortney Casey.

Adding to the inactivity, Shevchenko stepped away from competing for personal reasons in 2024.

All of these factors contributed to her release from the roster.

The example of Shevchenko is a lesson that maintaining a consistent presence is most important to not only a career of longevity but staying power within the promotion.