In a surprising move, veteran flyweight fighter Montana De La Rosa has been released from the UFC roster despite securing a win in her last bout. This decision underscores the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of the UFC’s women’s flyweight division.
Background of Montana De La Rosa’s UFC Career
Montana De La Rosa’s journey in the UFC began in 2017 when she made an impactful debut on The Ultimate Fighter Season 26. Despite an early exit in the competition, she quickly established herself with a streak of submission victories. Her initial success in the Octagon solidified her reputation as a formidable submission artist.
However, De La Rosa’s career faced challenges as she struggled to maintain consistent momentum, recording a series of mixed results with a UFC record of 6-5-1. Her most recent victory against Andrea Lee, a split decision win in June 2024, marked an important comeback, snapping a three-fight losing streak.
The Circumstances Leading to De La Rosa’s Release
The unexpected release of De La Rosa came after a scheduled fight against Luana Carolina was canceled due to Carolina’s failure to make weight. Despite De La Rosa’s victory over Lee, the UFC opted to part ways with her on March 20, 2025. Interestingly, Carolina, who has missed weight in two of her last three fights, remains on the roster.
This decision highlights the UFC’s ongoing challenge of balancing its roster with both veteran fighters and up-and-coming talent. The organization must navigate the complexities of contract renewals and the need to cultivate exciting matchups within the division.
Implications and Future Prospects
De La Rosa’s release raises questions about the criteria the UFC uses to evaluate and retain fighters. While her record may not be exceptional, her submission skills and experience add value to any promotion. With her free agency, De La Rosa could potentially attract interest from other organizations like the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where her expertise could be utilized against rising stars such as Dakota Ditcheva.
As the UFC continues to shape its roster, the decision to release fighters after wins may become more common in an effort to maintain a dynamic and competitive environment for fans. This approach emphasizes the importance of not just winning, but also delivering compelling performances that captivate audiences.
Looking Ahead: The Women’s Flyweight Division
The women’s flyweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC, featuring top talents like Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso. As the division evolves, the promotion is likely to keep making tough decisions to ensure a high level of competition and excitement. This dynamic environment highlights the importance of adaptability and performance for fighters hoping to maintain their place on the roster.
Montana De La Rosa’s departure is a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change in mixed martial arts. As she considers her next steps, her experience and skill set will undoubtedly offer opportunities beyond the UFC. The MMA community will be keen to see where her career path leads and how she continues to contribute to the sport.
Ultimately, the decision to release De La Rosa serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the fight game, where past glories offer no guarantees for future security, and every performance is a step on a constantly shifting journey.
