UFC President Dana White once held significant expectations for a graduate of his Contender Series program who made her Octagon debut four years ago. Dana White`s Contender Series, a crucial component of the UFC`s talent recruitment since 2017, saw one of its Season 4 participants, highly praised by White upon signing her, announce her retirement from mixed martial arts at the age of 30.
Cheyanne Vlismas announces her retirement after being tipped for ‘big things’ by Dana White
Cheyanne Vlismas, known previously as Cheyanne Buys, joined Dana White`s Contender Series in 2020 holding a professional record of 4-1. The strawweight fighter secured a UFC contract during Week 3 of Season 4. She went on to compete four times inside the Octagon, compiling a 2-2 record. Her final UFC bout took place in December 2022 at the UFC Apex, where she lost a unanimous decision to Cory McKenna.
Vlismas had previously shared in an interview following her Contender Series appearance that she had spent years messaging Dana White on social media, telling him she would become a star for the UFC. Here is what the UFC boss said about her potential when awarding her the contract:
I mean, what do I say about Cheyanne. What don’t I say about Cheyanne. Her striking is unbelievable, her ground is awesome, she’s mean and nasty. She’s cocky, she’s 5-1, she’s young. She’s not even in her prime yet, she’s a baby still. I like her very, very much and I think, as she gets over here again, another person we get into the PI. She starts training, we get her some fights. I expect big things for Cheyanne in the future.
Vlismas publicly announced her retirement via Instagram, stating that the recent birth of her second child was the primary catalyst for this decision. The 30-year-old explained that while she still loves fighting, her children are her absolute priority, and she doesn`t believe she can dedicate herself fully to the demanding requirements of a professional training camp while giving her kids the attention they need.
Dana White previously addressed Cheyanne Vlismas’ comments on fighter pay
Following her first victory inside the Octagon at UFC Vegas 33, an emotional Cheyanne Vlismas reacted to receiving a Performance of the Night bonus for her TKO finish over Gloria de Paula. She spoke openly about facing a difficult financial situation after her initial UFC loss. When Dana White was asked to comment on these remarks, the UFC CEO stated that financial struggles are simply a reality of the sport.
There’s a lot of people on their way up who are broke, struggling, trying to make it. The flip side to that is she’s 1-1 in the UFC and made 80 grand in the last six months. This is one of those sports you’ve got to win. If you win, everything’s good. If you lose, everything’s bad. That’s the nature of this beast.
Vlismas concludes her professional fighting career with an overall record of 7-3, having earned two post-fight bonuses during her tenure in the UFC.
