The Pink Slip: Who Might Be Cut after UFC on ESPN 53?

UFC on ESPN 53 didn’t boast a bunch of household names but nonetheless delivered solid action and some show-stealing performances. While immediate roster cuts weren’t glaringly evident, except in the case of Igor da Silva, who was disqualified and released from the promotion for biting his opponent Andre Lima, the event did underscore fighters whose careers might be in jeopardy if the downward trajectory persists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fighters who, after suffering losses, now face the looming specter of career uncertainty.

Ricardo Ramos

In a whirlwind start against Julian Erosa, Ramos suffered a devastating setback driven by his opponent’s compelling narrative of resurgence. Ramos rocked Erosa early on, landing a solid blow, but the veteran featherweight was able to regain his composure promptly. When Ramos pressed forward, looking for a takedown, Erosa clamped onto a guillotine choke that forced the tap from the Brazilian. “Carcacinha” has lost three fights in the last five Octagon outings but has tested himself against the best on the UFC roster since his debut in 2017. At 28, he still has a long way to go and it’s unlikely that he might be cut immediately from the roster. Having said that, it’s important for him to scrutinize every detail in an effort to overturn this slump and reestablish his footing.

Cody Gibson

Miles Johns continued his Octagon ascent by securing a unanimous decision victory over Gibson. Johns dominated the exchanges in the early rounds and delivered stinging shots that kept scoring away. Gibson initially found success in the second round, taking his opponent’s back, but the former Legacy Fighting Alliance champion managed to escape and assert control for the remaining duration. He maintained his dominance over the next five minutes of the final round, walking away with unanimous decision scores of 30-27 from all three judges.

This loss takes Gibson’s record to 0-2 in as many fights after having returned for a second stint in the UFC against Brad Katona in a losing bid in August 2023. While it’s not conclusive that this signifies the end of the road with the UFC, it serves as a stark reminder for caution. He should regard these losses as a catalyst to refine his approach as he embarks on his next assignment.