Ketlen Vieira reacts to UFC’s ‘unbelievable’ decision to let her go while keeping ‘many other fighters there who aren’t on my level’

Ketlen Vieira is struggling to comprehend the UFC's decision to part ways with her after a decade with the promotion, particularly given her credentials and the caliber of fighters the organization retained. The veteran bantamweight, who had compiled a 10-5 record in the UFC since 2016 and defeated notable competitors including Holly Holm and Miesha Tate, received her release following a May victory over Jacqueline Cavalcanti—a win that left her optimistic about contract renewal.

Vieira expressed her bewilderment to MMA Fighting ahead of her debut with the PFL, where she will challenge featherweight champion Cris Cyborg on August 22 at PFL Tampa. She noted that the timing itself raised red flags: typically, contract renewals occur before a fighter's final bout, and her coach Andre Pederneiras's late-stage notification suggested the writing was on the wall. Still, the actual release stung.

"It's kind of unbelievable that they wouldn't renew my contract when there are many other fighters there who aren't on my level," Vieira said, emphasizing that she wasn't being arrogant but rather calling attention to a decision that baffled her when measured against the UFC's roster decisions. She highlighted the quality gap between herself and some one-dimensional grapplers still on the bantamweight roster, wondering if internal politics played a role or if the promotion's investment in women's MMA was simply waning.

Despite her frustration, Vieira chose gratitude over bitterness, crediting the UFC for building her name and transforming her life. She exited as a top-5 fighter and title challenger—the only bantamweight coming off a win at the time of her release—making the decision seem even more perplexing. Now, she views her move to the PFL, buoyed by the organization's merger with MVP MMA and Jake Paul's involvement, as vindication and an opportunity to finally realize her dream of fighting for a championship. "I can't be ungrateful," she reflected, "but today I'm focused on this new chance."