The Pink Slip: Who is at Risk of Being Cut Following UFC Fight Night 234?

The ripple of UFC Fight Night 234 “Ankalaev vs. Walker 2” still lingers.

As the dust settles, it's time to contemplate the fate of fighters who might be on the chopping block. With most fights ending inside the distance, the event kept fans engrossed from the opening bell to the final buzzer.

In the shadow of the looming possibility of receiving the dreaded pink slip, one fighter's recent performance has undoubtedly caught the attention of fight fans: Westin Wilson. His recent showing inside the Octagon may well prompt contemplation within the Ultimate Fighting Championship about his future with the promotion.

Wilson faced Jean Silva at UFC Fight Night 234, and the outcome wasn't in his favor. The bout ended in the first round at the 4:12 mark, with the 34-year-old succumbing to punches and suffering a technical knockout loss. Wilson's record took another hit with the defeat, which now stands at 16 wins and 9 losses.

Looking back at his recent outings, Wilson's journey has been challenging. Prior to the Silva fight, he had a canceled bout against Gabriel Santos. Before that, he faced Joanderson Brito and suffered a loss via knockout in Round 1.

Moving on to Phil Hawes, who suffered a loss against Brunno Ferreira at UFC Fight Night 234, the implications of this defeat might also cast a shadow over his UFC tenure. The first-round knockout loss via flying knee and punches at 4:55 could potentially put Hawes in a precarious position.

With a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, including three consecutive losses, the UFC might be considering tough decisions regarding his future in the organization. Each of the three defeats suffered at the hands of Ferreira, Ikram Aliskerov and Roman Dolidze resulted in a knockout.

Matthew Semelsberger is another fighter who experienced a tough night at UFC Fight Night 234. The American lost to Preston Parsons via unanimous decision. He has lost four of his last five outings inside the Octagon. Semelsberger's record now stands at 11 wins and 7 losses, and the recent decision loss might raise concerns about his future in the UFC.

While these speculations are based on recent performances and records, the UFC considers various factors, including fighter marketability, potential and overall contribution to the sport. Until an official announcement is made, these deliberations remain speculative, but UFC Fight Night 234’s outcomes are certain to warrant discussions about roster changes.