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Undefeated Prospect Released After Massive Weight Miss at UFC 317

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 11:03 PM ET

UFC 317 is finally here and arrives this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promising a stacked card for International Fight Week. While all eyes are on the main event, the drama didn’t wait for the pay-per-view to begin. One undefeated fighter on the prelims nearly stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, turning what was supposed to be his breakout moment into a cautionary tale.

Chris Ewert, a 31-year-old middleweight from Chile, was set to make his UFC debut against Jackson McVey after stepping in on short notice. For a fighter nicknamed "El Tanke," the opportunity should’ve been a chance to crash into the UFC with power and pressure.

Instead, Ewert imploded at the scale—showing up a full 10 pounds over the limit. No second chances. Just a canceled fight and a swift release from the promotion.

Aaron Bronsteter broke the news on X, quoting UFC commentator Jon Anik:

‘Jackson McVey vs. Chris Ewert is OFF per Jon Anik. Ewert was going to be several pounds overweight and has subsequently been cut from the UFC roster.’

Originally, Ewert had a much different path ahead. He was booked to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series on August 2 against Yuri Panferov. But when Sedriques Dumas was forced out of UFC 317 due to legal issues involving a GPS ankle monitor, Ewert got the nod. MMA News reported that he accepted the short-notice opportunity in hopes of fast-tracking his UFC debut. It was a high-risk, high-reward call.

Unfortunately, the risk caught up fast. For a fighter who was undefeated with a highlight reel full of knockouts, the weight miss wasn’t just a mistake—it was a missed moment. In a sport where second chances are rare and first impressions are everything, Ewert’s UFC story ended before it could even begin.

Dana White and the UFC took swift action, making it clear that the organization won’t hesitate to enforce standards—even with undefeated prospects.

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

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