Martin Buday Cut from UFC Despite (7-1) Record
Alright, fight fans, buckle up because I’ve got something that’s going to grind your MMA-loving gears just a bit. Martin Buday, a heavyweight who’s been pulling a workhorse 7-1 record in the UFC, has been axed from the promotion. Yep, you read that right. The big Slovakian bulldozer fought off a lineup of UFC heavy hitters, secured a solid win streak, and closed out his contract with a victory over Marcus Buchecha at UFC on ABC 9. His reward? A one-way ticket out of the organization. “It is what it is,” he says. Well, it shouldn’t be, Martin.
What Happened to Martin Buday?
Buday (16-2 MMA), formerly ranked #15 in the UFC heavyweight division, confirmed his abrupt release via social media. “Yeah, it’s true,” Buday wrote. “Yesterday we got a call that @ufc is not resigning us for the moment. Well, it is what it is, at least I’m leaving with my head up. Thank you.”
Heartbreaking? Sure. Surprising? Absolutely. UFC letting go of a ranked heavyweight with a near-flawless promotion resume? That’s enough to make any fight fan scratch their head and wonder what’s happening behind closed doors. Was it politics? Budget cuts? Or did someone forget Buday’s résumé and confuse him with someone on a four-fight skid?
Buday’s MMA Résumé Speaks for Itself
For those unfamiliar with the Slovakian powerhouse, Martin Buday earned his UFC ticket by showcasing raw power and undeniable skill. His Contender Series performance in 2021, which ended with a KO finish over Lorenzo Hood, wasn’t just memorable; it was downright terrifying. From there, he began stacking wins like pancakes.
The dude went on a tear through UFC heavyweights, racking up six wins, including W’s over Chris Barnett (a fan favorite, no less), Andrei Arlovski (yes, that Arlovski), and Jake Collier. Okay, sure, he stumbled once against Shamil Gaziev in December 2023 via TKO. It happens. Heavyweights hit like trucks, after all. But Buday didn’t curl up into the fetal position and cry. He bounced back with victories over Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev before pulling off a unanimous decision over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Marcus Buchecha at UFC on ABC 9.
Seven wins. One loss. Ranked #15. The numbers don’t lie, folks.
Why Did the UFC Part Ways with Buday?
Here’s the frustrating part—we don’t know exactly why the UFC decided to cut Buday loose. Maybe it’s related to contract negotiations. Maybe Dana White’s notorious cost-cutting measures got in the way (fight purses don’t pay themselves, after all). Or maybe, just maybe, the UFC doesn’t see Buday as a future title contender. Rolls eyes.
But seriously, what do they expect from the guy? He’s got the skills, the record, and the name recognition (at least in hardcore MMA circles). Are we really cutting ranked heavyweights now just because their last name doesn’t rhyme with Gane or Pavlovich? If so, then the sport’s losing its grip on meritocracy.
What’s Next for Martin Buday?
Now here’s the million-dollar question. What’s next for “Bad News” Buday? Unfortunately, not being re-signed by the UFC means the big fella is out looking for other options. But don’t count him out. At 33 years old, he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank. If anything, the UFC might’ve lit a fire under him.
We’ve seen plenty of fighters thrive outside the UFC. Bellator? PFL? ONE Championship? They’re all viable options. Heck, with Buday’s grappling ability and KO power, he could inject some excitement into any heavyweight roster outside the UFC bubble. And who knows? If he goes on a tear, there’s always the chance for a redemption arc back in the UFC.
The Fan Reaction
Fans are, understandably, furious. MMA Twitter lit up like a Christmas tree when news of Buday’s release broke. Words like “criminal,” “idiocy,” and “WTF” were thrown around like punches in a heavyweight slugfest. And honestly? They’re right. It’s hard to justify cutting someone like Buday when the division is struggling for depth outside the top five.
“Martin Buday is the kind of guy you want sticking around,” one fan tweeted. “7-1 in UFC and they cut him? Make it make sense.” Another chimed in, “Dana must’ve been training in Gasiev’s camp because this move is TKO stupid.”
Final Thoughts
Look, the UFC makes weird roster moves all the time, but this one really takes the cake. For an organization that prides itself on being the pinnacle of MMA talent, letting go of someone like Martin Buday sends a strange message. Is this about skills, or is it about keeping the “show” in UFC as entertainment-focused as possible?
What do you think of Martin Buday’s release? Should the UFC have kept him on board? Sound off in the comments or tweet your thoughts. For now, here’s hoping Buday finds an even better opportunity elsewhere and proves why letting him go might just be the UFC’s loss.
