Dana White / Getty Images

UFC 319 - Three Fighters Who Could Get Cut If They Lose

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 3:28 PM ET

High stakes on the undercard could make UFC 319 the final walk for some veteran names

UFC 319 isn’t just another fight night — it’s a proving ground. At the top of the bill, Dricus du Plessis will put his middleweight crown on the line against Khamzat Chimaev in what could be a five-round war of wills. But beneath the bright lights of the main event, there’s a different kind of tension brewing. For some on the undercard, this could be the fight that decides whether their UFC story continues… or ends here.

Jessica Andrade, 33, has been a wrecking ball for most of her career, but the gears have started to grind.

Two straight losses — a decision to Natalia Silva and a quick submission to Jasmine Jasudavicius — have taken the shine off her once-intimidating aura. With 40 fights behind her, the mileage is undeniable. Now she’s up against Loopy Godinez, a hungry up-and-comer with relentless wrestling. Andrade needs a big performance, or the whispers about retirement might become reality.

Then there’s Gerald Meerschaert, 37, a submission savant who’s seen it all — and lately, too much of the wrong side of the scorecards. Back-to-back defeats to Reinier de Ridder and Brad Tavares have put his career in a tight spot.

Standing in his way is Michal Oleksiejczuk, 30, who clawed his way back from a three-fight skid with a win over Sedriques Dumas. This isn’t just a matchup; it’s a career crossroads. The loser could be packing their bags.

When the final horn sounds, Dana White and company won’t just be looking at who won and lost — they’ll be weighing who stays and who goes. For a few fighters, UFC 319 might be the last chapter in their UFC book.

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

More must-reads: