UFC axe two athletes including infamous ankle-tag wearing fighter

The UFC has reportedly parted ways with Michel Pereira and Sedriques Dumas.

Both fighters have been removed from the UFC‘s active roster, meaning they have either been released from their contracts or the promotion decided not to re-sign them.

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The news was first reported by MMA Fighting.

Dumas (10-5) went 3-5 with the UFC, losing his last three fights on the bounce inside the distance (plus one No-Contest).

The 30-year-old last competed in April when he was submitted in the first round by Jackson McVey and is perhaps best known for his problems outside of the Octagon rather than his performances within it.

In April 2025, Dumas was arrested on several charges, including home invasion robbery, battery, possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon and drug possession.

He was subsequently removed from the UFC 317 card as the ankle tag he had been ordered to wear by a Florida court limited him to a 100-mile radius.

Dumas has since taken to Instagram to respond to reports that he has been released, writing: “Don’t believe everything you hear.

“I just don’t address situations about BS and drama, but I know it’s not true.”

Pereira (32-15) dropped a unanimous decision loss to one-eyed Russian fighter Sharabutdin Magomedov at UFC Baku last month.

The Brazilian had previously snapped a three-fight skid with a split decision victory over Zach Reese in February, and was rewarded with a one-fight extension to face Magomedov.

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Pereira dropped Magomedov early in the opening stanza with a sharp right hand, but ‘Shara Bullet’ rebounded well to take the last two rounds.

His victory was, however, marred by multiple fouls, including eye pokes and hair pulling, which went unpunished by Herb Dean.

While Dean issued warnings, he didn’t take a point.

Had he done so, the fight would have ended in a draw, barring a dramatic response from Magomedov to the deductions.

That also may have been enough to keep Pereira on the UFC roster.

At least, Alex Pereira seems to think so.

The former two-weight UFC champion is at odds with Dean over the standard of officiating during his recent defeat to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

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And he was quick to place the blame on Dean for Pereira’s release.

“They could have sent this guy earlier, and maybe it would have been acceptable, but paying such a high price because of a refereeing mistake is impossible to accept!

“The UFC has already done, and continues to do, everything I ask within the organization’s reach.

“But it’s sad to see this and not be upset. Many athletes don’t say anything, but tomorrow it could be you going through this kind of situation, and there will be no point in sending me a message asking for help.

“It’s sad that not even the UFC has control over this, and because of that, our sport keeps being tarnished.”

UFC Schedule

There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.

The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.

On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.

With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.