Featherweights Diego Nunes, Milton Vieira released by the UFC

Just a few days after the mass firing that saw 16 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters --including Jon Fitch--loss their jobs, two more fighters have been released by the organization.

According to British news outlet MMA Opinion, the axe was brought down on Diego Nunes and Milton Vieira, who both competed in the featherweight division.

UFC President Dana White said in a media scrum (watch it here) at Thursday's (Feb. 21, 2013) UFC 157: "Rousey vs. Carmouche" pre-fight press conference that the UFC is 100 fighters over its roster limit and "the blood has not all been spilled yet." The first wave including the likes of Fitch, Paul Sass, Vladimir Matyushenko and Jacob Volkmann, to name a few, and now Nunes and Vieira will join them in the unemployment line.

Nunes (18-4) spent the last five years of his life fighting under the ZUFFA (UFC's parent company) banner, competing in the UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organizations. He fought 11 times over the course of that time, losing only four times to some elite competitors such as Dennis Siver and Kenny Florian.

On top of losing three of his past five bouts, the straw that likely broke the camel's back for the Brazilian was the fact he went a decision in all 11 of his UFC and WEC bouts. Prior to joining the ZUFFA ranks, Nunes had finished every opponent who shared the cage with him, but it seemed when he took a step up in competition he was unable to end fights inside the distance.

Prior to his recent skid, "The Gun" had been ranked as a top-10 featherweight by most, and it may only take him a couple of quality wins to get back to the big show.

Vieira (13-8-2) saw his only two UFC fights end in controversial fashion as his Octagon debut against Felipe Arantes was ruled a draw and his sophomore bout was ruled a split decision, which went to his opponent Godofredo Castro.

Many believed "Miltinho" should have won both fights, but was given the short end of the stick by judges both times, giving him a winless record under the UFC banner after two fights.

It seemed logical that Vieira would be given a third chance to have his hand raised after the nature of his first two results; however, the UFC provided zero leniency as the 34-year-old was let go.

As White promised, more fighters are sure to be released in the coming weeks and MMAmania.com will have you covered as the names are released.