UFC releases loud-mouth Paddy Pimblett teammate, who illegally punched opponent after UFC London loss

TL;DR

UFC has released fighters Pedro Munhoz and Shem Rock from their contracts following recent roster cuts. This decision comes after Rock's illegal punch during a bout at UFC London.

Key points

UFC released two fighters on April 20, 2026
Released fighters are Pedro Munhoz and Shem Rock
Shem Rock illegally punched an opponent after his loss

Shem RockPedro MunhozUFC London

Shem Rock after his Lightweight Bout against Abdul Kareem Al Selwady during UFC Fight Night at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday March 21, 2026. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images

Another round of roster cuts has arrived.

Today (Mon., April 20, 2026), it was revealed that two fighters have been removed from UFC’s active roster, meaning they have been released from their respective contracts and/or the promotion decided not to extend them.

The two fighters who lost their jobs are: 22-fight Octagon veteran Pedro Munhoz and Shem Rock.

Munhoz (20-10) requested his release earlier this month — and got it.

“The Young Punisher” is riding a three-fight losing streak and hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Edmonton in 2024.

The long-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran and former Top 15 Bantamweight contender leaves behind a lengthy and battle-tested run in the 135 lbs division, where he shared the Octagon with a “Who’s Who” of elite competition, including , , , , , and .