The UFC roster is bigger than ever – and it continues to expand.
Fresh faces appear on nearly every card, whether onboarded as short-notice opening fillers, Dana White’s Contender Series signees, or the increasingly rare straight-up additions. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of the hustle and bustle of the mixed martial arts news beat, but here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got you covered.
“Fresh Ink” is your list of fighters added to the UFC roster the previous month and provides background on who they are and where they came from.
Lucas Alexander
Record when signed: 7-2
Signing type: Short notice
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 27
Debut: Oct. 15 loss vs. Joanderson Brito (14-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 212 via submission (rear-naked choke) in Las Vegas
Lucas Alexander was on a five-fight winning streak when he got the call for a short notice opportunity against Joanderson Brito. With only days to prepare, Alexander stepped into the UFC cage for the first time Oct. 15 and was submitted by Brito in 122 seconds.
Tereza Bleda
Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: Straight-up
Weight class: Women’s flyweight
Age: 20
Debut: Nov. 19 vs. Natalia Silva (13-5-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 215 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas
While she didn’t get a contract after her Sept. 6 win on Dana White’s Contender Series, Tereza Bleda didn’t have to wait long to have the UFC loop back. She didn’t even have to compete an additional time. Bleda will debut against another rising flyweight Natalia Silva – and she gets a full camp.
Gabriella Fernandes
Record when signed: 8-1
Signing type: Straight-up
Weight class: Women’s flyweight
Age: 29
Debut: TBD
It’s been a big five weeks for Gabriella Fernandes. At LFA 143 on Sept. 30, Fernandes won the LFA women’s title. Days later, she was offered a UFC contract. Fernandes onboards onto the UFC roster a winner of seven straight. She has five finishes in eight victories including a TKO of fellow UFC fighter Iasmin Lucindo.
Carlos Mota
Record when signed: 8-1
Signing type: Short notice
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 27
Debut: Oct. 29 loss vs. Cody Durden (14-4-1 MMA, 3-2-1 UFC) via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 213 in Las Vegas
Regarded by many as one of the best unsigned flyweight prospects in the world, LFA champion Carlos Mota got his crack at the big leagues – but it was on days’ notice. After a lengthy travel and a large weight cut, Mota stepped into the cage Saturday. However, opponent Cody Durden proved to be too much as he utilized his wrestling to dominate Mota en route to a unanimous decision. Mota will get another crack, however, as he looks to return to his winning ways that led him to four knockouts in his first nine appearances.
Joshua Weems
Record when signed: 10-2
Signing type: Straight-up
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 29
Debut: Oct. 29 loss vs. Christian Rodriguez (12-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 213 in Las Vegas
Joshua Weems was unsuccessful in his Dana White’s Contender Series attempt in 2021, but he went back to the drawing board and won back-to-back fights thereafter. After Christian Armfield withdrew during fight week, Weems stepped up to the plate. After a weight miss, Weems showed glimpses of promise in his UFC debut vs. Christian Rodriguez. He ultimately lost via first-round anaconda choke submission.
