UFC roster update: Zak Ottow, Kurt Holobaugh among 10 released; one fighter announces retirement

As 2019 winds down, the UFC has trimmed its roster. A dozen fighters have been released from their contracts or not re-signed in recent weeks, MMA Junkie has learned.

Each fighter listed has announced the release, or a member of his or her team has informed MMA Junkie of the news. The order in which they appear is alphabetical, not chronological.

The exact time frames and terms of the releases (i.e. end of contract vs. severance) were not disclosed to MMA Junkie.

Rostem Akman | Welterweight (6-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)

Sweden’s Rostem Akman debuted at UFC on ESPN+ 11 in early June. Taking a fight against Sergey Khandozhko in enemy territory, Akman lost a unanimous decision. Akman suffered the same fate in his sophomore outing, losing a unanimous decision to Jake Matthews at UFC 243 in October.

Allen Crowder | Heavyweight (10-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

Heavyweight Allen Crowder has retired, according to a report from BJPenn.com. Crowder has decided to step away from due to ongoing memory issues caused by concussions. The North Carolina-based big man’s lone UFC win came against Greg Hardy in January. Crowder won by disqualification due to an illegal knee. His lone victory with the promotion was bookended by knockout losses to Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Justin Willis.

More roster updates on the next page: