A fan-favorite heavyweight is no longer on the UFC roster.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Chris Barnett has been released by the UFC following his unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC 321 in October. Tom Feely on Twitter first confirmed the news after the fighter was removed from the UFC’s website roster.
Barnett had six octagon appearances, going 2-4 in the promotion. “Beastboy” picked up a pair of second-round stoppage wins over
Gian Villante and Jake Collier, but back-to-back losses in Abu Dhabi to Abdelwahab and Kennedy Nzechukwu led to the popular fighter’s release. Abdelwahab has also parted ways with the promotion after fighting out his deal at the pay-per-view event.
MMA Fighting also confirmed that UFC lightweight, and TUF 32 champ Kurt Holobaugh is also no longer on the roster. Holobaugh returned for a second stint with the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2023 with a submission of Austin Hubbard at UFC 292. The 39-year-old went 1-3 over his next four bouts, including a decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky in July 2024.
UFC officials also confirmed that Kiefer Crosbie was released from the promotion after going 0-3 with three first-round stoppage losses.
