Ketlen backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
One of the leading names in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg), Ketlen Vieira was caught off guard when she discovered that her contract with the UFC would not be renewed. Despite the shock, she quickly gave her career a new direction, signing with the PFL and returning to the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg). Now, months after ending her cycle with the UFC, the Amazonian has the opportunity to become champion this Saturday (22) against the legendary Cris Cyborg . However, the controversial dismissal is still a matter of questioning.
Ketlen, who competed in the UFC between 2016 and 2026, was coming off a victory against Jacqueline Cavalcanti in May of this year. The result broke a streak of eight consecutive wins for the Portuguese fighter, seen as one of the rising stars of the division. Despite the big win, she was released from the fight. Without mincing words, she made it clear that she didn't believe the decision was motivated by technical reasons.
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“What I’m about to say isn’t a lack of humility on my part, I even apologize. But I’m much better than many of the fighters who are in the bantamweight division. So it’s kind of unbelievable that I didn’t renew my contract when there are others there who aren’t at my level. But I always leave my life in God’s hands and he guided me to what I wanted, which was a title fight,” the Brazilian stated in an interview with MMA Fighting.
#PFLTampa headliner Ketlen Vieira says it's “unbelievable” the #UFC chose to let her go:
“What I'm about to say isn't me being arrogant or anything, and I even apologize for saying it. But I'm much better than many of the fighters who are there at bantamweight.”
(🎥 @guicruzzz ) pic.twitter.com/Sa3WgjJBft
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 21, 2026
Ketlen said she deserves a title shot in the UFC.
When asked what might have motivated the UFC's decision, Ketlen was honest in admitting she had no idea. She said she was more skilled and able to entertain fans more than other athletes who remain under contract.
“If we're talking about fighting style, there are women with styles that don't even compare to mine, who are completely limited to grappling. I can't understand that; if it was an internal problem, I only know that they didn't renew my contract. From my perspective, seeing myself as an athlete, I can't understand why. I left the UFC as a winner, as a top 5 fighter, as a future challenger. I am very grateful for everything they provided me, but today I am focused on this new opportunity,” she concluded.
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