UFC Fighters Criticize Heavyweight Cuts, Call for Improved Opportunities

Aljamain Sterling expressed frustration over the UFC's decision to have his upcoming fight with Brian Ortega in Shanghai be a five-round co-main event without additional pay, calling the rule "kind of stupid" since it requires more effort without extra compensation. Meanwhile, heavyweight fighters in the UFC, including notable names like Alexander Romanov and Francis Ngannou, have faced unfair treatment and frequent cuts, with criticism aimed at UFC management for favoring marketable stars over genuinely competitive fighters. Romanov, now in the PFL, criticized the UFC's handling of heavyweights, particularly the practice of cutting fighters who are on winning streaks, calling it a "big mistake" and "bullsh*t," while praising the PFL for providing more consistent fight opportunities. At welterweight, Sean Brady is positioning himself for a title shot, having called out Shavkat Rakhmonov and seeking fights against top contenders like Ian Machado Garry, although he has faced challenges securing main event opportunities. Dana White recently announced a middleweight main event for UFC Vancouver, highlighting ongoing shifts and opportunities within the UFC divisions. These developments underscore ongoing tensions related to fighter compensation, management decisions, and title contention across multiple UFC weight classes.