The new UFC regime has made it clear that being a ranked fighter doesn't keep you safe from being released.
The UFC has cut top-10 light heavyweight, 24-year old Nikita Krylov after a December loss to Misha Cirkunov, who also will not be re-signing with the company. Krylov was riding a five fight winning streak before the loss.
Krylov's release comes at a time when the UFC Light Heavyweight division is among the most bare in company history. Former champion Jon Jones is out until July due to a suspension, and other fighters have failed to gain any substantial momentum out of the top-3.
The UFC has had a period of about a year where they've lost several top-10 fighters either by release, free agency, or retirement. Rory MacDonald, Nikita Krylov, Misha Cirkunov, Lorenz Larkin, Miesha Tate, Sarah Kaufman, Kyoji Horiguchi, Urijah Faber, Brock Lesnar all included. With the futures of Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz, Ryan Bader, Michael McDonald and others all in doubt.
