Jon Fitch, Matyushenko, Russow, Volkmann and dozen others released by UFC

Sad news for 16 MMA fighters.

Former UFC Welterweight title challenger, and one of the top welterweights on the planet, Jon Fitch, now finds himself out of the UFC, after going 1-2-1 in his last four fights. But he’s not alone – MMA vets Matyushenko and Russow, Jacob Volkmann, former promising up-and-comers Che Mills, Paul Sass, and Terry Etim are now all cut from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This could be a very good news for Bellator MMA, who will be able to update their roster from top to bottom. More than anything, Jon Fitch vs. Ben Askren might finally happen, while Terry Etim and many others would be a fantastic addition to the evolving Spike TV product.

So what do you think, LowKick’ers? Do you agree with the UFC sending off Jon Fitch? Which who would you rather keep in the UFC? Make your feelings known in the comments section below.

Unlucky 16 list via MMAFighting.com:

Jon Fitch (Overall record: 24-5-1, 1 no-contest; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Demian Maia at UFC 156; 1-2-1 in last four UFC fights)

Wagner Prado (Overall record: 8-2-1, 1 no-contest; Last fight: Submitted by Ildemar Alcantara at UFC on FX 6; 0-2 with 1 no-contest in last three UFC fights)

Mike Russow (Overall record: 15-3, 1 no-contest; Last fight: TKO loss by Shawn Jordan at UFC on FOX 6; 0-2 in last two UFC fights)

Jacob Volkmann (Overall record: 15-4; Last fight: Submitted by Bobby Green at UFC 156; 1-2 in last three UFC fights)

Vladimir Matyushenko (Overall record: 26-7; Last fight: Submitted by Ryan Bader at UFC on FOX 6; 0-2 in last two UFC fights)

Che Mills (Overall record: 15-6, 1 no-contest; Last fight: Lost split decision to Matthew Riddle at UFC on FUEL TV 7; 1-2 in last three UFC fights)

Jay Hieron (Overall record: 23-7; Last fight: KO loss to Tyron Woodley at UFC 156; 0-2 in last two UFC fights)

Terry Etim (Overall record: 15-5; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Renee Forte at UFC on FUEL 7; 1-3 in last four UFC fights)

Paul Sass (Overall record: 13-2; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Danny Castillo at UFC on FUEL 7; 0-2 in last two UFC fights)

Jorge Santiago (Overall record: 25-11; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Gunnar Nelson at UFC on FUEL TV 7; Was return to UFC)

Mike Stumpf (Overall record: 11-4; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Pascal Krauss at UFC on FOX 6; 0-2 in his last two UFC fights)

Simeon Thoresen (Overall record: 17-4; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to David Mithcell at UFC on FOX 6; 0-2 in his last two UFC fights)

C.J. Keith (Overall record: 8-2; Last fight: Submitted by Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on FX 7; 0-2 in his last two UFC fights)

Motonobu Tezuka (Overall record: 19-6; Last fight: Unanimous decsion loss to Vaughan Lee at UFC on FUEL TV 7; 0-2 in his last two UFC fights)

Josh Grispi (Overall record: 14-5; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Andy Ogle at UFC on FUEL TV 7; 0-4 in his last four UFC fights)

Ulysses Gomez (Overall record: 9-4; Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Phil Harris at UFC on FUEL TV 7; 0-2 in his last two UFC fights)