UFC Cuts Julian Marquez, “The Cuban Missile Crisis” Ends After Four Straight Losses

The UFC has parted ways with Julian “The Cuban Missile Crisis” Marquez. The decision comes on the heels of Marquez’s fourth consecutive loss, a TKO defeat at the hands of Cody Brundage at UFC Vegas 103 this past weekend.

❌ Fighter removed: Julian Marquez

Reason: Released
MMA Record: 9–6
UFC / WEC Record: 3–5

— UFC Roster News (@UFCRosterNews) March 6, 2025

The Fall of “The Cuban Missile Crisis”

Julian Marquez burst onto the UFC scene in 2017 with a spectacular head kick knockout of Phil Hawes on Dana White’s Contender Series. His charismatic personality and penchant for exciting fights quickly made him a fan favorite. However, the 33-year-old fighter’s recent performances have failed to meet the high standards set by his early career.

Marquez’s UFC tenure ends with a record of 4-4, including notable victories over Maki Pitolo and Sam Alvey. His last win came in April 2022, a second-round submission of Marc-André Barriault that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Since then, Marquez has suffered three consecutive losses, each more decisive than the last.

“Live by the sword, die by the sword,” Marquez posted on social media following the news of his release. “I’ve always fought with everything I had, and sometimes that’s not enough in this game. I’m grateful for my time in the UFC and the opportunities I’ve had.”

Live by the sword die by the sword.
It’s a dangerous game. 🫡

— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) March 2, 2025

The string of losses began with a unanimous decision defeat to Gregory Rodrigues in June 2023, followed by a second-round TKO loss to Bruno Silva in November of the same year. The final blow to Marquez’s UFC career came in the form of the aforementioned TKO loss to Magomedov, where he was stopped in the first round.

The Evolving Landscape of UFC’s Middleweight Division

Marquez’s release underscores the highly competitive nature of the UFC’s middleweight division. With a constant influx of new talent and the evolution of established fighters, the 185-pound weight class has become one of the most dynamic in the promotion.

The middleweight division has seen significant changes in recent months, with the emergence of new contenders like Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev shaking up the rankings. The release of Marquez opens up opportunities for rising prospects to make their mark in the UFC.

Industry analysts speculate that Marquez’s fighting style, while entertaining, may have contributed to his recent struggles. Known for his willingness to engage in brawls, Marquez often found himself in high-risk situations that ultimately proved costly.

As news of Marquez’s release spreads, fans and fellow fighters have taken to social media to express their support. Many have praised his entertaining style and positive attitude, with some calling for other promotions to sign the experienced middleweight.

The UFC’s decision to release Julian Marquez serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional MMA. While “The Cuban Missile Crisis” may have fizzled out in the UFC, Marquez’s journey in the sport is far from over. As he looks to reinvent himself outside the octagon, the MMA community will be watching closely to see where this exciting fighter lands next.