UFC releases Jose Medina and Felipe Bunes following disappointing performances at UFC Mexico City

Jose Medina and Felipe Bunes have been removed from the UFC roster following their losses at UFC Mexico City. Medina leaves on a five-fight losing streak.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 7:20 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from UFC Home

The End of a Controversial Contract

Jose Medina’s tenure with the UFC has come to an abrupt end following a 41-second knockout loss to Ryan Gandra this past Saturday. Medina’s presence in the promotion was a point of contention from the start; Dana White signed him in 2023 after being impressed by his "heart" during a Contender Series defeat, admitting at the time that he hadn't even consulted his matchmakers before offering the deal. However, that gamble failed to pay off as Medina leaves the promotion on a five-fight losing streak, including three consecutive knockout setbacks.

Felipe Bunes Departs After Split Decision Loss

Joining Medina on the exit list is Felipe Bunes, who saw his UFC run conclude after a narrow split decision loss to Edgar Chairez on the main card. Bunes struggled to find consistent footing in the flyweight division, ending his stint with a 1-3 promotional record. His journey began with a stoppage loss to current champion Joshua Van in early 2024, and despite showing flashes of competitiveness, the loss in Mexico City proved to be the final straw for the UFC brass.

Standout Debuts and Big Winners

While Medina and Bunes saw their departures confirmed, UFC Mexico City provided a massive platform for several rising stars. Regina Tarin capitalized on a short-notice opportunity, winning her debut just three days after accepting the fight. Other notable performers included Lone’er Kavanagh, who exceeded fan expectations with a significant victory, and "King" Bobby Green, who maintained his status as a lightweight mainstay with another strong showing in the Octagon.