A palpable sense of unpredictability clings to some of the vanquished fighters at UFC Fight Night 235—those at risk of the dreaded pink slip.
From those triumphant moments, however, the spotlight now swings toward those combatants facing the looming specter of career uncertainty.
Landon Quinones
Quinones, with a current record of 7-3, faces an uncertain future following two consecutive losses in the UFC, including his recent defeat to Marquel Mederos at UFC Fight Night 235. While the promotion values multiple factors in roster decisions, Quinones' decision losses and lack of a clear upward trajectory in recent performances may put him at risk. The competitive nature of the lightweight division demands consistent and impactful performances, and "The Lone Wolf" will need to showcase growth and adaptability should he stay in the UFC. Until an official announcement is made, his potential release remains speculative, but the recent pattern of outcomes may warrant discussions about his tenure in the organization.
Blake Bilder
Blake Bilder, boasting an 8-2 record, faces a critical juncture following two consecutive losses in the UFC. His latest loss was against Jeong Yeong Lee at UFC Fight Night 235. Despite his current skid, Bilder's overall record showcases a solid performance, with four wins via submission and a unanimous decision win against Shane Young at UFC 284. While Bilder's case remains uncertain, the likelihood of his release may be mitigated by his consistent success and the nature of his recent losses, which could factor into the UFC's decision-making process.
Diana Belbita
“The Warrior Princess” has suffered two consecutive losses, the latest being a painful armbar submission against Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 235. While Belbita has encountered challenges in the UFC with five losses out of seven fights, her status as a popular fighter cannot be overlooked. With over 430,000 followers on Instagram and a reputation that draws attention, history indicates that fighters with such appeal often escape the pink slip. The UFC, mindful of marketability and viewership, tends to retain popular figures, and Belbita's case seemingly aligns with this trend, potentially safeguarding her position despite recent performance struggles.
Pete Rodriguez
Rodriguez, with a professional MMA record of 5-2, encountered a tough loss against Themba Gorimbo at UFC Fight Night 235. Despite having a 100% knockout rate in his five victories, Rodriguez's recent defeat puts him in a delicate position. He is now 1-2 in the UFC, with two one-sided losses against a lone win over onetime novelty signing Mike Jackson, who was never UFC material, to put it bluntly. Working in favor of the young Arizonan is his penchant for exciting fights and the fact that, by the eyeball test, he may be better suited to the lightweight division. If “Dead Game” escapes the pink slip, don’t be surprised to see him at 155 pounds in his next Octagon appearance.