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UFC Cuts Veteran Known for Quick Submissions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 12:25 PM ET

The road to success in combat sports is brutal—and in the UFC, it’s even more unforgiving. Physical talent alone isn't enough; fighters are expected to have a steel-trap mindset, relentless drive, and the ability to bounce back from devastating setbacks. Every bout is a career-defining moment, and for some, the window to make an impact closes fast. One veteran may now be facing that very reality. The Octagon gives and takes—and sometimes the timeline to shine runs out before a fighter can reach their peak.

According to Borrachinha Depot, Brazilian fighter Gabriel Miranda, 35, has been removed from the UFC’s active roster. Known as ‘Fly,’ Miranda compiled a 1-3 record in the promotion, with his lone win coming via a first-round submission over Shane Young at UFC 293. His UFC debut came on short notice at UFC 279, where he suffered a TKO loss to Benoît Saint-Denis.

Gabriel Miranda removed from the UFC active roster.
— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) April 8, 2025

Before joining the UFC, Miranda built a name for himself with BRAVE Combat Federation, notching multiple submission wins across international events. His run in BRAVE CF included a first-round guillotine finish in his debut and a bounce-back victory over Jon Zarate in Bogotá after a tough decision loss.

Miranda trained out of MMA Masters in Miami, a gym known for molding pressure-heavy fighters. While his UFC tenure didn’t go as planned, his grappling-heavy style and relentless aggression were impossible to ignore. And of course, fans won’t soon forget his signature old-school handlebar moustache—a fitting symbol of a fighter who brought a unique presence every time he stepped into the Octagon. UFC president Dana White has often spoken about the difficulty of staying in the promotion, and Miranda’s departure is yet another reminder of just how competitive the roster truly is.

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

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