Leon Edwards fights Jack Della Maddalena at UFC London!

In the United States, James Llontop has been released from the UFC after a challenging stint in the promotion. Following a short-notice fight at UFC 309 in New York in November 2024, where he faced one of the UFC's most exciting rising stars, Llontop's release was confirmed. This fight marked an ongoing struggle for the 25-year-old welterweight, who lost all three of his fights in the UFC, including a narrow split decision to Viacheslav Borshchev in August 2024. Llontop, a former champion in the Fusion FC promotion, had moved to the UFC with a strong reputation but faced difficulties, including missing weight in two of his bouts. Llontop’s career in the UFC began in April 2024 with high expectations as he came in as a favorite in his debut against Chris Padilla but ultimately fell short in subsequent fights. The pressure increased as the organization sought an opportunity for him to prove himself while the stakes rose with each passing bout. Known for his striking power and ability to absorb punches, Llontop attempted to leverage his experience in other promotions, aiming to solidify his place in the UFC. Despite showing grit in his performances, the results were detrimental to his standing within the organization. After the conclusion of UFC 309, where his loss was the tipping point, it was reported that Llontop would be fighting with the Fusion FC promotion going forward. The decision to release him came as UFC officials opted to manage the roster strategically and focus on fighters who could deliver winning performances in the octagon. His inability to secure a win and the weight misses added to the UFC's decision to move on from him. James Llontop still has the potential to rebuild his career but will now have to navigate new challenges in the Fusion FC. His youth allows room for growth and development, but this setback serves as a reminder of the intense pressure and competition in the UFC. Moving forward, it will be crucial for him to regain his confidence and hone his skills in the hopes of finding a path back to the UFC in the future. While he will face hurdles, his capabilities lend themselves to a comeback if he can adapt and improve from this phase of his career.