Ali Akbar Rosady
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has undertaken a significant roster adjustment, confirming the release of several athletes, most notably charismatic heavyweight Chris Barnett. The move, which follows a period of performance evaluation, also includes former Ultimate Fighter champion Kurt Holobaugh and emerging talents such as Hamdy Abdelwahab and Kiefer Crosbie, signaling the promotion’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a highly competitive and evolving fighter pool.
Chris Barnett, affectionately known as "Beastboy" for his unorthodox fighting style and engaging personality, was officially removed from the UFC roster following his unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC 321 in October. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the promotion’s internal decisions confirmed the development to SportsBreakNews.com, aligning with earlier reports by journalist Tom Feely, who first noted Barnett’s removal from the official UFC fighter database. Barnett’s tenure in the premier mixed martial arts organization concludes with a professional record of 2-4 across six octagon appearances, a period marked by both highlight-reel finishes and challenging setbacks.
Barnett’s journey in the UFC began with considerable anticipation, as his unique blend of martial arts techniques, including taekwondo kicks and a surprisingly agile heavyweight frame, garnered a loyal following. His two victories within the promotion were particularly memorable. The first came against veteran Gian Villante at UFC 268 in November 2021, where Barnett secured a spectacular second-round spinning wheel kick knockout, a moment that instantly became a viral sensation and earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. The fight was also notable as Villante’s retirement bout, adding a layer of emotional significance to Barnett’s explosive win. His second triumph arrived in September 2022 against Jake Collier, another second-round stoppage that showcased Barnett’s power and resilience, further solidifying his reputation as an exciting, must-watch heavyweight.
However, the latter part of Barnett’s UFC career saw him grapple with inconsistent results. After the win over Collier, Barnett faced Kennedy Nzechukwu in Abu Dhabi, where he suffered a TKO loss in the second round. This defeat was followed by the aforementioned unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC 321. The back-to-back losses, particularly the decision against Abdelwahab, are understood to have been the primary factors contributing to the organization’s decision to part ways with the 37-year-old heavyweight. While Barnett’s fan appeal was undeniable, the UFC’s stringent performance metrics often prioritize winning records and upward trajectory, especially in divisions as stacked as heavyweight. His overall professional record outside the UFC before joining the promotion stood at an impressive 21-6, having competed in various organizations including Road FC and Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye, demonstrating a lengthy and diverse career that promised much upon his UFC arrival.
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Coinciding with Barnett’s departure, his opponent from UFC 321, Hamdy Abdelwahab, has also been released. The Egyptian heavyweight, an Olympic wrestler, fought out the entirety of his current contract with the promotion at the October pay-per-view event. Abdelwahab’s brief UFC stint saw him debut with a first-round TKO victory over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC 277 in July 2022. However, he then suffered a first-round knockout loss to Parker Porter at UFC Vegas 60 in September 2022, before securing the decision win against Barnett. Fighting out a contract without a subsequent offer for renewal is a common occurrence in the UFC, often indicating that the organization has opted not to continue with the fighter, either due to performance, financial considerations, or a combination of factors. Abdelwahab’s background in Greco-Roman wrestling brought a unique skill set, but his 1-2 UFC record might have not met the threshold for a new deal in a highly competitive division.
In the lightweight division, former Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner Kurt Holobaugh is also no longer on the UFC roster. At 39 years old, Holobaugh represents another notable cut. His career has been a testament to perseverance, featuring two separate stints with the UFC. His initial run, which spanned from 2013 to 2014, saw him go 0-3, leading to his first release. After rebuilding his record on the regional circuit, Holobaugh earned a second opportunity through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017, where he secured a TKO victory. He then returned to the UFC, but again faced difficulties, going 0-3 in his next three fights before being released for a second time.
Holobaugh’s most recent return to the octagon came after winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 in 2023. His journey through the reality series culminated in a dominant performance against Austin Hubbard at UFC 292, where he secured a second-round submission victory, earning him the coveted TUF championship and a new UFC contract. This achievement marked a remarkable comeback for the veteran fighter. However, his subsequent performances in this third UFC chapter proved challenging. Following his TUF triumph, Holobaugh compiled a record of 1-3 over four bouts. While he picked up a decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky in July 2024, the overall record in this latest stint, coupled with his age, likely influenced the UFC’s decision not to retain him. Holobaugh’s professional record outside the UFC included successful runs in promotions like Legacy FC, where he held the featherweight title, showcasing his capabilities outside the sport’s highest level. His departure underscores the brutal reality of fighter retention, where even a TUF championship does not guarantee a long-term future without consistent victories.
Another fighter released is Kiefer Crosbie, an Irish welterweight who struggled to find his footing in the promotion. Crosbie’s UFC record stands at 0-3, with all three losses coming by way of first-round stoppages. This unblemished record of early finishes against him is a strong indicator for release, as the UFC typically looks for fighters who can demonstrate competitiveness and progression. Crosbie, who entered the UFC with a professional record of 10-3, had shown promise in regional European circuits, often fighting under the Bellator banner before his UFC venture. His quick exits from all three of his UFC contests, however, made it difficult for the promotion to justify his continued presence on the roster. The nature of these losses, often swift and decisive, suggests a significant gap between the regional level and the elite competition of the UFC.
These roster changes are a standard operational procedure for the UFC, a league known for its high turnover rate and performance-driven decisions. The organization consistently evaluates its roster, making cuts to accommodate new talent emerging from feeder leagues like Dana White’s Contender Series, or to free up budget for signing high-profile free agents. For fighters like Barnett, Holobaugh, Abdelwahab, and Crosbie, their release from the UFC does not necessarily mark the end of their professional fighting careers. Many former UFC athletes go on to compete in other prominent organizations such as Bellator, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), or ONE Championship, where they can continue to showcase their skills and earn a living. The mixed martial arts landscape outside the UFC is robust, offering numerous opportunities for experienced fighters to rebound and potentially even work their way back to the sport’s biggest stage. However, for now, these releases signify a new chapter for each fighter, as they look to define their next steps in the demanding world of professional combat sports.
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