Hermes Franca, Marcus Aurelio, Chris Wilson, and Justin McCully given the axe by the UFC

With an ever growing stable of fighters, the UFC have cut four veteran fighters of the Octagon.

Hermes Franca, Marcus Aurelio, Chris Wilson, and Justin McCully have been released by the UFC according to a recent report on MMASurvival.com.

Franca is by far the most noteworthy of the fighters cut, being a veteran of seven octagon appearances, with an overall UFC record of 4-3. Franca boasts an overall record of 19-8, with notable wins over Caol Uno, Jamie Varner, Spencer Fisher, and Nate Diaz. However, after failing to make weight and then suffering a second round TKO loss to Tyson Griffin at UFC 103, it appears his octagon days have been numbered.

Aurelio never found his stride in the UFC having a 2-4 record in his six appearances in the Octagon. His latest loss was against Evan Dunham at UFC 103. The loss was an exciting fight that ended in a close decision, which Aurelio took on short notice. “Maximus” holds an overall record of 18-8, with his most notable win against Takanori Gomi, when they fought in the now defunct Pride organization.

Wilson has lost his last two UFC appearances in a row, and probably surprises no one with his reported cut from the organization. Wilson was denied clearance to fight in his scheduled bout against Brock Larson at UFC 98. The UFC was forced to replace Larson with Mike Pyle coming in on a short 48-hour notice. Wilson eventually lost the fight by guillotine choke in the third round, further removing himself from the UFC brass. He holds a 14-6 overall record with a lackluster 1-3 record in the UFC.

McCully is another fighter who never quite matched up well with the UFC. His record was 2-2 in the Octagon, filled with mostly uneventful fights. His latest loss was at the hands of UFC newcomer Mike Russow at UFC 102. Of his two wins for the organization, “The Insane One” holds two decision wins over Antoni Hardonk and Eddie Sanchez.

With the ever-changing landscapes in MMA today, it will come as no surprise to see some of these veterans fighting in other organizations soon. Any of these fighters could sign with Strikeforce or Dream and make an immediate impact in their respective divisions.