The UFC has parted ways with longtime bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz and lightweight Shem Rock, with officials confirming both fighters have been released from the promotion.
Munhoz exits the UFC after a 12-year run that saw him compete 22 times inside the Octagon. Earlier this month, he publicly requested his release in a social media post, and the promotion has now granted that request.
The Brazilian veteran is currently on a three-fight losing streak, most recently dropping a decision to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Edmonton this past November. Over the course of his tenure, Munhoz shared the cage with notable names such as Sean O’Malley, Aljamain Sterling, Jose Aldo, and Dominick Cruz.
Rock, 32, joined the UFC in 2025 following a stint with OKTAGON MMA. His time with the promotion included two unanimous decision losses, falling to Nurullo Aliev and Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at UFC London in March.
During the bout with Al-Selwady, Rock attempted to strike his opponent after the final horn, an incident that marked a contentious moment in his short UFC run.
