UFC Unexpectedly Cuts Top Prospect for Refusing to Accept Fight at UFC 227

One of the UFC's hottest prospects was let go early Friday morning for refusing to take a fight on August 4 in Los Angeles at UFC 227.

As first reported by Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, Yair Rodriguez was officially cut by the UFC for refusing to accept a fight against Zabit Magomedsharipov.

Rodriguez made waves with his UFC career by scoring six straight victories including a stunning knockout over former two-division champion BJ Penn. Frankie Edgar put a swift end to his run by brutalizing the youngster at UFC 211 in 2017. Rodriguez has been inactive ever since.

When reports surfaced that Rodriguez was set to return against Magomedsharipov, Rodriguez took to Twitter to call it "#FakeNews." After the stunning report came out of him being cut from the roster, UFC President Dana White responded in kind with "Real News."

Rodriguez was one of the most exciting fighters on the roster, but an unwillingness to take this fight pushed the UFC to its breaking point. If this was to send a message to the remainder of the roster, they will have undoubtedly taken notice.