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Unbelievable UFC Release: Vieira Targets PFL Title in Dream Fight
21 Aug
Summary
- Ketlen Vieira was unexpectedly released by the UFC after a recent win.
- She is set to face featherweight champion Cris Cyborg in her PFL debut.
- Vieira expressed disbelief at her UFC departure after a decade at the top.
Ketlen Vieira, a fighter who held a top-five ranking in the UFC bantamweight division for years, is heading to the PFL for a championship bout against Cris Cyborg. Vieira's departure from the UFC came as a surprise, even after securing a win over Jacqueline Cavalcanti in May 2026. She described the decision as 'unbelievable,' given her consistent performance and standing within the elite ranks of the division.
Vieira won 10 of her 15 UFC fights, defeating notable opponents like Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. She felt her release was hard to comprehend, especially when comparing her standing to other fighters on the roster. Nevertheless, Vieira is grateful for the opportunity the UFC provided in building her career and is now focused on her dream of fighting for a title, which she will pursue in the PFL on August 22 in Tampa.
