Brad Tavares, a veteran middleweight fighter, has been removed from the UFC roster after his contract ended, making him a free agent, though he may still re-sign with the organization.
For the first time in 15 years, Brad Tavares isn’t part of the UFC’s immediate plans. A veteran middleweight, Tavares made his octagon debut way back in 2010. Now, he’s been removed from the UFC roster after completing his latest contract.
UFC officials confirmed this news to MMA Fighting on Saturday. While there’s a chance Tavares might re-sign with the UFC, he’s currently off the roster since he’s out of contract. If he doesn’t return, Tavares exits as one of the most experienced UFC veterans. He started as a 5-0 prospect and now boasts a 21-10 record.
Tavares has gone 2-2 in his last four fights. His victories include wins over former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and submission specialist Gerald Meerschaert, with his latest win in April. At 37, the Hawaiian-born fighter, now based in Las Vegas, has faced a who’s who of top fighters.
This list includes four current or former middleweight champions: Weidman, Dricus du Plessis, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. Whether Tavares will strike a new deal with the UFC or sign with another organization remains uncertain. For now, he’s a free agent, with no new agreement in place.