UFC fires Jon Fitch, Caldeirão, Jorge Santiago and 12 more fighters

Caldeirão (photo), Fitch, Santiago and 12 others are fired from the UFC.

The UFC drastically reduced its roster of fighters. This Wednesday (20), the organization fired 15 athletes who had a valid contract. They are: Jon Fitch, Wagner Caldeirão, Mike Russow, Vladimir Matyushenko, Che Mills, Jay Hieron, Terry emo, Paul Sass, Jorge Santiago, Mike Stumpf, Simeon Thoresen, CJ Keith, Motonobu Tezuka, Josh Grispi and Ulysses Gomez. All were defeated in their last battles.

The biggest surprise was the departure of Jon Fitch. The North American, who for years was considered the second best fighter in the welterweight division, even challenged for the division's belt in 2008 and was ninth in the official UFC rankings.

Among Brazilians, Jorge Santiago fought last weekend, at UFC on FUEL 7, but his poor performance against Gunnar Nelson resulted in his third dismissal from the UFC. Caldeirão performed last time at UFC Sao Paulo, in January, when he was defeated by Ildemar Marajó. Previously, the Team Nogueira athlete had already fought with Phil Davis on two occasions, having a No Contest (fight without result) and a defeat.

Fatal change? Makhachev ignores warning and could end tragically at welterweight!