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UFC 317 - Two Fighters Who Could Get Cut If They Lose

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 2:11 PM ET

UFC 317 is shaping up to be a blockbuster event, set to anchor International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With Ilia Topuria jumping straight into a title shot against Charles Oliveira in the main event, the stakes are sky-high. But for two fighters further down the card, the pressure might be even greater—not for gold, but for their UFC futures. The lights will be bright, the crowd electric, and the margin for error razor thin.

One of those names is Niko Price. The 35-year-old veteran has been with the promotion since 2016 and built a reputation for fan-friendly chaos, slinging wild punches and never shying away from a brawl. But recent results haven’t been kind. Price suffered two brutal knockout losses before snapping the skid with a gutsy win over Alex Morono at UFC 302.

Just when it seemed like he had turned the corner, he dropped a frustrating decision to Themba Gorimbo. The miles are starting to show, and with every exchange, you wonder how much gas he’s got left. Another L might not just bruise his record—it could punch his ticket out of the promotion.

Also feeling the heat is 33-year-old Russian striker Viacheslav Borshchev. Known for his crisp kickboxing and body-snatching power, 'Slava Claus' has had flashes of brilliance—but consistency has been elusive. He fought to a draw with Nazim Sadykhov, got submitted by Chase Hooper, and while he did rally with a win over James Llontop, his most recent loss to Tom Nolan was a step back. The UFC doesn’t hand out many second chances, and Borshchev might be out of lifelines.

Dana White has made it clear in recent years that roster management is an evolving process. With more events, more divisions, and more prospects flooding in through the Contender Series, the UFC is leaning harder than ever into roster attrition. Fighters who aren’t stringing together wins or offering upward momentum often find themselves quietly cut. At UFC 317, with the world watching, the consequences of a flat performance could be more permanent than ever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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