Report: UFC releases longtime contender Formiga
The UFC has released longtime flyweight contender Jussier Formiga, sources told MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz.
The 35-year-old ends his run with a three-fight skid, which includes TKO losses to Alex Perez and Joseph Benavidez, along with a decision against Brandon Moreno.
At one point, Formiga was ranked No. 1 in the division. The Brazilian signed with the UFC in 2012 and went 9-7 overall. He holds a 2019 win over current champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Formiga also beat the likes of Sergio Pettis, Wilson Reis, Dustin Ortiz, Zach Makovsky, and Chris Cariaso. He fell short against top contenders like Benavidez (twice), then-future champ Henry Cejudo, and John Dodson.
The American Top Team product never challenged for the 125-pound belt, though he was often considered one of the only contenders left to fight Demetrious Johnson during the latter's title reign.