It`s not a common occurrence to see a fighter released by the UFC immediately after securing a victory.
While earning a UFC contract is a significant challenge, maintaining a place within the premier promotion is an entirely different matter.
The UFC recently made changes to its roster, removing several fighters including Kron Gracie, Hakeem Dawodu, and two-time `The Ultimate Fighter` winner Brad Katona. These adjustments make space for three former world champions and a new cohort of fighters signed from Dana White`s Contender Series.
Typically, fighters are released from the promotion following a series of losses. However, this wasn`t the case for one particular UFC veteran who has been part of the roster since 2017.
Montana De La Rosa Confirms UFC Release, Seeks New Promotion
In March, Texas native Montana De La Rosa was scheduled for a UFC return that was ultimately cancelled. Her opponent, Luana Carolina, failed to make weight for their flyweight bout at UFC Vegas 103, missing the limit by a substantial 10 pounds.
Despite the fight cancellation being entirely due to her opponent`s failure and having one fight remaining on her contract, De La Rosa received her release from the UFC just a few weeks later.
The veteran, who has competed 12 times in the promotion, is coming off a split decision win over Andrea Lee in June 2024. While her chapter with the UFC may be closed, the 30-year-old De La Rosa has no intention of retiring from the sport just yet.
“As you may know I wasn’t able to fight my last fight in the UFC as my opponent missed weight by 10 pounds,” De La Rosa shared on Instagram.
“I was more ready than ever and was excited to put on a show. After that the UFC released me after fighting for the promotion since 2017, starting on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and earning a contract.”
“I went 3-0 starting off in the UFC and after that I had multiple wars with ranked opponents, even winning a 50k bonus. My very last fight I even won.”
“I’m posting this in hopes for a promotion to see this and hopefully get a fight with another promotion so I can continue fighting and pursuing my dream, I continue to train every day and would love to put on a show for everyone.”
Montana De La Rosa`s UFC Record and Notable Opponents
De La Rosa concludes her career in the UFC with a winning record.
She compiled a 6-5-1 record inside the Octagon, having joined the promotion in 2017. De La Rosa participated in season 26 of `The Ultimate Fighter`, a competition featuring 16 women vying for the inaugural UFC flyweight championship.
During her time on the show, De La Rosa secured a first-round submission win against Ariel Beck before being defeated by Nicco Montano, who would go on to become the division`s first champion.
De La Rosa began her UFC journey with an impressive three consecutive victories over Christina Marks, Rachael Ostovich, and Nadia Kassem. She later faced formidable contenders such as Tatiana Suarez and Maycee Barber and fought former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva to a majority draw in 2021.
Last summer at UFC Louisville, De La Rosa successfully ended a three-fight losing streak by avenging a previous loss to Andrea Lee.
In 2018, Montana De La Rosa made history alongside her husband, Mark, as they became the first married couple to compete in the UFC. In 2020, they even had the unique experience of sharing a fight card.
