UFC releases David Loiseau, Ryo Chonan, David Bielkheden and more

by Jesse Holland on May 5, 2009 8:28 PM EDT

It’s win or go home lately inside the Octagon … literally.

The UFC — in a move to trim its roster and offer the better fighters more opportunities to compete — has once again released several fighters from their contracts after losing performances, including David Loiseau, Ryo Chonan and David Bielkheden, who are no longer listed on the official roster.

These combatants join Jason MacDonald, Jason Day, Vinny Magalhaes and Antonio Mendes on the growing list of recent Zuffa contract casualties.

Loiseau is perhaps the least surprising of the bunch. The Canadian was at one time a top 185-pound title contender, winning four of five bouts inside the Octagon, including stoppages of Evan Tanner, Charles McCarthy and Mark Weir before falling to then-champion Rich Franklin at UFC 58 back in March 2006.

After the loss to Franklin, Loiseau dropped three of his next four and fell of the radar. He was cut from the promotion rather abruptly after a unanimous decision loss to Mike Swick at UFC 63 later that year.

He battled hard to get back into the UFC, going 4-2 outside of the promotion, but unfortunately couldn't capitalize on the second-chance opportunity, coming up on the wrong end of a decision to Ed Herman at UFC 97 on April 18.

Chonan and Bielkheden on the other hand, just couldn't seem to get things going. "The Piranha" went 1-3 and recently dropped two straight after a unanimous decision loss to Karo Parisyan in his UFC debut back in November of 2007.

Like Chonan, Bielkheden came up short his first time out, succumbing to the punches of Diego Sanchez at UFC 82. He rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Jess Liaudin last October, but got choked out by Mark Bocek at UFC 97 just last month.

The only positive to being released is that opportunities to fight still exist outside of Zuffa. Don't be surprised to see any one of these talents reappear in competing promotions sooner rather than later.

If nothing else this latest news puts more pressure on fighters to not only win, but perform well if given the chance to fight for the UFC. It also ensures that, hopefully, we see more of the top fighters competing against better competition more often.

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Comments

awww the crow is out..knew that was coming..and the athlete..poor canadians are gettin kicked to the curb left and right..lol

by sarah on May 5, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

It’s better these guys stay on local shows as UFC veterans testing prospects and giving those ready a “name” win. Much better financially as well.

by NameNotRequired on May 5, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

plain and simple, its blatant bigotry against canadians. it all started with kalib starnes. you wait, one more loss for gsp and hes probably gonzo too.

by Egads on May 6, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn’t say that it started with Kalib Starnes it had nothing to really do with it, just the Canadian fighters haven’t been able to have a good win track in the UFC- and no way will GSP get cut, even if he loses 4 in a row he won’t get cut, WAY to many fans

by ricky on May 6, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Well I believe it’s the English fighters who are now gettin’ the spotlight.

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on May 6, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Thales Leites should be on the list soon.

by c-war on May 6, 2009 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions

What are you talking about? Starnes was released because he put on the most pathtic performance in MMA history by literally running away for 3 straight rounds. And The Crow was given another chance despite not looking that great after being cut from the UFC and was released again after being dominated by a guy not in the top 20 who was on the verge of being cut himself. It has nothing to do with their nationality.

by David W-S on May 6, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

it didnt hurt that starnes called one of quarry’s corners a faggot

by connor on May 6, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Put simply. It’s not even about the losing. It’s about the performance. Fighters like Houston Alexander and Melvin Guillard lose a lot and win some too, but they never have boring fights. If a fighter is out there laying it all on the line, putting himself in danger, doing everything they can to win, but still come up short, they are marketable even with losing records.

If you just dance around for three rounds and lose a decision without ever really trying something creative when your original game plan goes awry, well then what do you expect? People paid to see MMA fights not a K1 kick boxing match, or a NCAA division 1 wrestling event. They want to see two guys in there doing everything under the sun to get the W.

Dana is sending a message. It seems to be his mantra since season one of TUF “Do you want to be a fucking fighter!” He’s putting the roster on notice. Get out there and FIGHT or go back to smaller shows with less exposure.

I agree! especially since his last event’s blog. He’s backstage and fighters who already fought are saying to him. “I’m sorry about the performance, I’ll do better next time.” Well, some of us pay 44 everytime and others at the show drop 1500 and sorry wait till next time just doesnt cut it with us.

by getrawbc on May 6, 2009 6:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Heads are rolling like crazy. I didn’t think they’d be so rash with Loiseau. Give the guy a break, he had to be a bundle of nerves on his return.

by DSmith on May 6, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Ya its sad- but Canada just doesn’t have great MMA athletes, or generally sports athlets compairs to American’s, Just look at the Olympics We STANK it up with what 2 Gold or something(sorry if im wrong about the medals but it was very low) i feel bad for the crow i’ve always been a fan and always will be a fan- Jason Macdonald i can GOOD RIDDENS- U SUCK BUDDY START DOING STAND UP its MMA. and the reason why Houston is still in the UFC is not cuz of his Story of 6 kids, its cuz he has a huge fan base much more than any of these fighters and ppl will tune in to watch him get Ko’d or Ko someone(lately Being Ko’d) but watch he loses 1 more time he’s out too

by ricky on May 6, 2009 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions

you guys have to kidding,

you lose and your out its as simple as that it doesnt matter where your from

this is one of the big reasons why for the most part pride had the more entertaining fights because some of the ufc fighters are so damn catious because one mistake could mean a loss and a loss is another step closer to getting cut

by dia mette on May 6, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Chonan was robbed by the judges. He totally won his last fight. I don’t like it!

by Scott on May 5, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

It was boring enough for me to not go back and reassess it. Think about it.

by MC on May 5, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

…but Houston Alexander stays!!!!!

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on May 5, 2009 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

yes he dose yes he dose bettet then Demain Maia that good for nothing loser

by p t o on May 5, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

you are missing a “u” between the “p” and the “t”.

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on May 5, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

As soon as he’s healthy, he’ll be back in the cage and ktfo or put to sleep again. His next fight will be his last in the UFC. Hurry up so you can go Houston.

by DSmith on May 6, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Hahaha,it took me a moments before getting it.But damn…Mexi

by Alpha Male 360 on May 6, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow yet another stupid post from this guy, how is someone who can only punch hard for 2 minutes before gassing and has no grappling skills whatsoever, losing his last 3 fights in the first round, be a better fighter than a guy who has won all 5 of his fights in the UFC by submission and is on the verge of a title shot.

by David W-S on May 6, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

nebraska is in the cage still! lol what a joke

by brendan on May 5, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

be patient. he just needs to lose one more fight.

by Mahde on May 5, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

SOMEONE HAS BEEN POSTING AS SDOW and it makes you look like a fucking psychopath. I made one post about Cote that people don’t agree with and now your being an ass using my name like a pussy. Who is this obsessed with me that you can’t let me state something on this site about a fighter without you acting like a damn loser?

BTW,
I don’t like Cote so posting that I like him is phucking retarded.

by sglow (formerly "sdow") on May 5, 2009 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

Mania should add a forum so this won’t happen. C’mon Mania add a forum already.

by closb on May 5, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Ditto! C’mon MMamania! We know you could do it, LOL!

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on May 6, 2009 2:21 AM EDT up reply actions

no! not loiseau! come on he just lost once, put him up against a stand up fighter, he’ll do good, i promise

by the rabbit on May 5, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

i hate to see him go but it MMA if he cant hack in the ufc….he just cant hack it bro. id rather lose and be true to myself then be led on by my victories…coughs*thiago silva*

by santiag69us on May 5, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it’s a little cold. Give the guy at least a 2 fight chance.

by DSmith on May 6, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, give Thiago Silva a break. after all, he just lost to Lyoto Machida, who’s the number 1 contender right now. It ain’t a shame to lose to the number 1 contender. Plus, Machida is just too fuck!n’ elusive, so I really don’t know what rashad’s gameplan would be to beat him.

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on May 6, 2009 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions

lol i bet when evans asked greg jackson what the game plan is, greg would say: “You’re f*cked”

by the rabbit on May 6, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

i gotta admit its pretty depressing to see such a good guy like loiseau who has so many fans, and see him lose his last big chance in the big show.

by Clinton Jackson (formerly Jared) on May 5, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah,he should have work on his jits and wrestling more that he did and,that wouldn’t be happening!He still got TKO,MFC or maybe strikeforce to go to!

by Alpha Male 360 on May 5, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll be sad after Joe Daddy gets released when loses to Diaz. How bad is it gonna suck to be the first TUF champ to be let go?

by DSmith on May 6, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep!But Sadollah is next with Grove!Let’s just hope that Joe Daddy get enough time to improved his game at Jackson and,that he come in with a good game plan instead to just want to keep the fight standing up,were he’s clearly in disadvantage because of the reach difference!Personally i,would rather have a Thibault cut instead of Stevenson!Anyway the way the UFC treats their B-fighters,they both will probably be gone in no time.

by Alpha Male 360 on May 6, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Travis lutter was released first.

And joe will smash diaz

by phenomenal angel on May 6, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m disappointed to see Loiseau go, but the man just cannot keep it on his feet and is brutal on the ground. I can’t believe he trains with GSP and has that kind of take down defense. I was hoping Loiseau would make Herman 0-2 in Canada, but I was real disappointed. I hope to see him learn to defend take downs or develop some type of ground game. If that happens, I’d love to see Loiseau in the UFC again.

by Shadyone33 on May 5, 2009 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

chonan’s win over silva brings a tear to the eye..that was a sick sub..just to see someone take advantage of his skinny ass legs..

by sarah on May 5, 2009 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

They should tell Ryo that they will give him one more chance, but he needs to get on the weight gainer and fight Anderson at a catchweight. haha. That way Anderson could avenge a loss.

by naturalshadow on May 6, 2009 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I feel bad for Ryo, he really put on a show in his last fight and one of the three guys who legitimately beat silva, its a shame to see him gone.

by baby Eddie on May 5, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

ANything the ufc does like this is for money$…The UFC contracts with fighters that they have tested , focused-grouped, talliied, determined, drempt of, polled of, voted on, and have come back as posituve for ufc money making….
UFC , mma fighters not unlike any stock it only what its worth now not then when or in the past , buy now…..
who stock has risen in the ufc
Which fighter makes the most money from the ufc, not a gym or sponsor…..thats secondary

Seriousl mania, you should write a detailed piece sometime, geting more of the facts behind all this opions you have here too. Like ESP would do with the NFL, and the UFC needs that computer that HBO used in Manny P. VS HATTON which show a body and where a nd how many punches were thrown or kicked…etc., and what the tv channed dhd net does with showing punchstat with takedow takedown defense sub att sub’s defended

by iamdanawhite on May 5, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

you must be dana white…you cant talk worth shit on here my man lol jk. dude ive seen strikeforce compubox…and they are very very very inaccurate. i see the stats and i replay the fight form my DVR. they are alway about 33% off on everything. DO NOT REFULATE IT like boxing!

by santiag69us on May 5, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Magalhaes was released??? I didn’t hear about that? Personally I thought he either won or at the least had a really good fight with elliot marshall. I like vinny even though his stand up isnt that good but still. he faced two really tough guys and gets released??? This is a bad trend for the ufc, i can see organizations like strikeforce and affliction are ablle to pick some of these guys up. they already have a decent fan base and these guys have skills. instead of cutting these guys, the ufc should get a weekly or monthly free live tv events

by bobby o'shea on May 5, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

His fight with marshall was boring as heck. It put me to sleep. He can earn his way back on, no problem.

Loiseau was an absolute joke on the ground against Herman, Chonan has been in 4 decisions, and Bielkeden is a disgrace. These cuts were justified.

by Clint on May 6, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

the song another one bites the dfust should be played every time this happens

by johny on May 5, 2009 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

bye

by hddavidson on May 6, 2009 12:12 AM EDT reply actions

The only one I would have liked to see stick around is McDonald, he may not have won a lot, but he was a good competitor and always showed up to fight. He will have success at a lower level.

by MMA Fight Talk on May 6, 2009 3:04 AM EDT reply actions

I´m surprised by Loiseau. Did they only bring him back for the canadian card? I mean he only lost his first bout since coming back. Give the guy a break. I think there is much more to the story.

by fonx on May 6, 2009 6:31 AM EDT reply actions

It wasn’t just that he lost, he was beaten very easily by a guy who isn’t in the top 20. If Ed Herman can beat you that easily then you can’t compete at UFC standard. I like the Crow but he doesn’t have the grappling skills required to be competetive in the UFC.

by David W-S on May 6, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

There really isnt any sense in the UFC keeping more than 12 fighters in each division. If you wanna maintain good fights you have to show the likes of anderson and Thiago… Sarcasm.
Just cause your the top dog doesnt mean you’ll be interesting to watch. They should have new people who come in fight vs someone to RETIRE them from the UFC. Then you know when and where its gonna happen.

I think after 3 losses you would be fighting someone looking to get in. And if you lose your out, if you are the one looking to get in and you lose… well you keep looking for that contract.

They (UFC) shouldnt give out more than a 4 fight contract.

by SHAMWOW on May 6, 2009 7:30 AM EDT reply actions

If the UFC keeps getting rid of legit talent (the crow, mcdondald, gurgel ect..) doesnt it open the door for other fight leagues to start up and compete?

by Bobby on May 6, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions