The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has recently parted ways with several athletes, including the experienced lightweight competitor Thiago Moises. Moises, at 31 years old, concludes his UFC tenure with a mixed record of 8 wins and 8 losses over 16 bouts. He has encountered recent difficulties, suffering three defeats in his last four appearances, including two consecutive losses. His final two fights resulted in a first-round knockout and a split-decision defeat.
Despite his recent struggles, Moises leaves the promotion with a notable accomplishment: he is one of only two fighters in UFC history to successfully execute a takedown against Islam Makhachev, the current welterweight champion. This significant moment occurred during their 2021 main event bout, which Moises ultimately lost via submission in the fourth round. The prominence of this distinction has only amplified as Makhachev’s career has ascended.
The UFC has made several roster adjustments, notably releasing three fighters. Among them is Thiago Moises, a fighter who had a substantial run with the organization and holds a unique distinction tied to UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Fighter: Thiago Moises, lightweight division
- UFC Tenure: 2018–2026, with 16 appearances in the Octagon
- Record: 19 wins and 10 losses overall; 8 wins and 8 losses within the UFC
- Reason for Release: Three losses in his last four fights, including two consecutive defeats
- Notable Achievement: One of only two fighters to successfully secure a takedown against Islam Makhachev in the UFC
Reason for Thiago Moises’ UFC Release
Although Moises is only 31 years old, he is currently on a two-fight losing streak and has lost three of his last four contests.
The Brazilian fighter was removed from the UFC roster following his 8-8 record across 16 Octagon appearances. His most recent bouts concluded with a first-round knockout loss to Jared Gordon and a split-decision defeat against Gauge Young in April. In the highly competitive lightweight division, such a streak typically leads to a fighter’s release. Reports suggest that the UFC may consider re-signing him at a later date.
Thiago Moises’ Connection to Islam Makhachev
Moises holds the distinction of being one of only two fighters to have successfully taken down Islam Makhachev inside the Octagon, the other being top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. Moises and Makhachev faced each other in 2021, prior to Makhachev’s dominant championship runs at both lightweight and welterweight.
Moises lost the main event bout in 2021 via a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. However, he achieved Makhachev’s first ranked victory and became one of only two opponents to successfully bring him to the mat in the UFC. This accomplishment has gained significance as Makhachev has risen through the ranks, relinquished the lightweight title now held by Ilia Topuria, and subsequently captured welterweight gold. Few athletes can claim to have competed against the current pound-for-pound king and forced him into a challenging position.
Future Prospects for Thiago Moises
Moises is likely to find opportunities with promotions such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or potentially on future cards organized by MVP MMA.
At 31, with established name recognition and a career trajectory that included a three-fight win streak earning him a main event slot against Makhachev, Moises is well-positioned to land with another organization. The PFL represents a logical destination, and inclusion on an MVP MMA card would also be a fitting platform for a fighter of his caliber and recognition. This situation appears to be a career reset rather than a definitive end, especially considering his professional journey began before he reached the age of 18.
Business Style Takeaway: The UFC’s decision to release Thiago Moises highlights the performance-driven nature of fighter contracts, even for established competitors. However, his unique accomplishment against a reigning champion like Islam Makhachev underscores the potential for fighters to retain significant market value and secure opportunities with rival promotions, demonstrating a dynamic landscape in professional combat sports.
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