UFC London Canceled Bout as Luana Carolina Misses Weight by 8 Pounds for Second Time This Year

Brazilian mixed martial artist Luana Carolina faced another weight-cut crisis Friday morning at UFC London’s official weigh-ins, resulting in the cancellation of her highly anticipated bantamweight bout against Melissa Mullins. The 144-pound Carolina, a veteran of the UFC’s strawweight and flyweight divisions, registered eight pounds over the 135-pound non-title limit—even after accounting for the promotion’s one-pound allowance for non-title fights. Despite Mullins successfully weighing in at 136 pounds, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) intervened, citing regulatory violations, and the fight was scrapped hours before the main card was set to begin at London’s O2 Arena.

The cancellation marks Carolina’s fourth weight-related issue in four years and her third missed weight cut in the UFC. It also represents the second time in 2025 that one of her scheduled bouts has been called off due to regulatory non-compliance. The incident has reignited conversations within MMA circles about fighter health, weight-cutting culture, and the UFC’s handling of repeated offenders—especially those struggling to sustain competitive weights across multiple divisions.

• Luana Carolina missed weight by eight pounds at UFC London weigh-ins, leading to the cancellation of her fight against Melissa Mullins.
• This is Carolina’s third missed weight cut in the UFC and fourth weight issue in four years, raising concerns about her future in the promotion.
• The Nevada State Athletic Commission enforced the cancellation due to regulatory violations, despite Mullins successfully making weight.
• Carolina’s struggles highlight ongoing debates in MMA about fighter safety, weight-class management, and the UFC’s policies on repeat offenders.

The Pattern Emerges: Carolina’s Weight-Cut Failures Grow More Frequent

Carolina’s issues with the scale are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern that has followed her throughout her UFC tenure. Her first documented weight-cut failure occurred in 2021 at UFC Vegas 30, where she came in 2.5 pounds over the strawweight limit of 115 pounds. That bout against Montserrat Ruiz was subsequently canceled, a decision that marked the beginning of a recurring challenge for the Brazilian fighter. In 2022, she missed weight again by three pounds ahead of a flyweight fight against Montana De La Rosa at UFC 273, leading to another cancellation. And in March 2025, Carolina failed to appear at the weigh-ins entirely for a flyweight contest, with a representative from De La Rosa’s team stating she "couldn’t even get within five pounds of 126."

Her inability to meet weight requirements across multiple divisions—from strawweight to bantamweight—has raised questions about whether she is attempting to compete at weights that are physiologically unsustainable for her body. Carolina, who stands around 5’5”, has historically competed at 125 pounds but has repeatedly moved up in weight in search of more favorable matchups or to avoid the grueling demands of extreme weight cuts. Her recent return to bantamweight (135 pounds) at UFC Perth in September 2024, where she lost a unanimous decision to Michelle Montague, ended with another weight-related controversy looming over her performance.

The Health and Safety Implications of Repeated Weight-Cut Failures

The cancellation of Carolina’s UFC London bout underscores broader concerns within combat sports about the long-term health consequences of extreme weight-cutting practices. Studies have shown that repeated cycles of dehydration, caloric restriction, and rapid rehydration can lead to kidney damage, cardiovascular strain, and impaired cognitive function. The Association of Ringside Physicians has long advocated for stricter weight-class management policies, including hydration testing and more frequent weigh-ins to reduce the risks associated with extreme cuts.

Carolina’s case is particularly striking because it involves a fighter who has been in the UFC for over five years, with multiple opportunities to adjust her approach to weight management. "When a fighter misses weight multiple times, it’s not just about discipline—it’s about whether the weight class is sustainable for their body type," said Dr. Andy Galpin, a professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton, and a frequent commentator on MMA health issues. "Some fighters can move up a weight class and maintain, but for others, it’s a recipe for chronic health issues."

Melissa Mullins’ Own History and the Psychological Toll of Canceled Fights

For Melissa Mullins, the cancellation of her fight with Carolina at UFC London is the third time in her UFC career that a bout has been scrapped due to weight issues. Mullins, a 29-year-old American fighter from Colorado, has previously missed weight for two flyweight contests—once in 2021 and again in 2022—before successfully making weight for her UFC London appearance. While Mullins has avoided further weight-cut controversies in recent years, the psychological impact of having her preparation disrupted cannot be understated. Canceled fights disrupt training camps, strain financial planning, and can erode a fighter’s momentum in the competitive rankings.

Mullins, who holds a professional record of 8-3 (1 NC), has been on a three-fight winning streak heading into UFC London, including a decision victory over JJ Aldrich in October 2024. Her ability to bounce back from the canceled bout will be closely watched as she looks to secure a top-15 ranking in the UFC’s bantamweight division. "Every time a fight gets canceled, it’s a setback," Mullins told reporters after the weigh-ins. "But I’ve been around long enough to know that setbacks are part of the process. I’ll regroup and come back stronger."

UFC London’s Main Card Proceeds Without Carolina-Mullins

Despite the high-profile cancellation, UFC London delivered a competitive main card that lived up to expectations. The featherweight co-main event featured rising contender Luke Riley (11-1) taking on Michael Aswell (10-2) in a bout that saw both fighters successfully make weight at 146 and 145 pounds, respectively. Riley, a 26-year-old Australian, is making his second UFC appearance after a first-round knockout of Charles Radtke in 2024, while Aswell brings a 2-1 UFC record and a reputation as a durable grappler.

The main event pitted Movsar Evloev (18-1), the No. 2-ranked featherweight in the UFC according to MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings, against Lerone Murphy (17-2), the No. 6 contender. Evloev, a Dagestani fighter known for his slick striking and wrestling, entered the bout undefeated in his last six fights, while Murphy—nicknamed "The Ultimate Warrior"—had reeled off five straight wins before a split decision loss to Bryce Mitchell in 2023. Both fighters weighed in at 146 and 145 pounds, respectively, setting the stage for a high-stakes featherweight clash.

Other bouts on the card included Michael Page’s welterweight matchup against Sam Patterson, a bout that saw Page (16-2) weigh in at 171 pounds against Patterson (12-2) at 170. Page, a former Bellator welterweight champion, has been on a two-fight losing streak but remains a fan favorite for his flashy striking style. The heavyweight division was represented by Mario Pinto (10-4) and Felipe Franco (8-3), with Pinto weighing 257 pounds and Franco tipping the scales at 227—a 30-pound differential that highlighted the division’s diversity.

What’s Next for Luana Carolina? A Crossroads for Her UFC Future

With her UFC London bout canceled, Carolina now faces a critical juncture in her career. The Brazilian fighter, who signed with the UFC in 2018, has a record of 10-6 (1 NC) and has largely flown under the radar despite her longevity in the sport. Her struggles with weight cuts have become a defining narrative, one that could limit her opportunities within the promotion. Dana White, the UFC’s president, has previously expressed frustration with repeat offenders, stating in a 2023 interview that fighters who consistently miss weight "won’t get another contract."

Carolina’s camp has not publicly addressed her future plans, but sources close to the situation indicate that a temporary leave from competition may be necessary to address her weight-management strategy. One potential solution could be a move to the UFC’s newly formed super-flyweight division (122 pounds), though even that would require significant adjustments. Alternatively, Carolina may explore opportunities in regional promotions where weight-cut expectations are less stringent or consider retiring from active competition.

For now, the UFC has not announced whether Carolina will receive a replacement bout or if Mullins will be matched with a different opponent. The cancellation serves as a reminder of the fragility of fight contracts in MMA, where a single weigh-in can upend months of preparation for both fighters and their teams.

The Broader Impact: How Repeat Weight-Cut Failures Shape UFC Policies

Carolina’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend of fighters facing penalties or contract non-renewals due to repeated weight-cut failures. In 2023, the UFC implemented stricter penalties for fighters who miss weight, including fines, point deductions, and in extreme cases, termination of contracts. The promotion has also explored the use of hydration testing and more frequent weigh-ins to curb extreme cutting practices.

The NSAC’s decision to cancel Carolina’s bout outright—rather than allowing her to compete at a catchweight or imposing a fine—signals a potential shift toward zero-tolerance policies for repeat offenders. Nevada, which hosts some of the UFC’s highest-profile events, has historically taken a harder line on weight-cut violations than other athletic commissions. "If a fighter can’t make weight consistently, it raises questions about their commitment to the sport and their own well-being," said Keith Kizer, former executive director of the NSAC. "The commission’s role is to protect the health of the athletes, and that includes ensuring they aren’t putting themselves in harm’s way with extreme measures."

UFC London’s Success Despite the Controversy

Despite the early drama surrounding Carolina’s weigh-in, UFC London delivered a compelling night of fights that showcased the depth of the promotion’s featherweight and welterweight divisions. Evloev vs. Murphy lived up to expectations as a clash between two of the division’s most dynamic strikers, while Riley vs. Aswell provided a gritty grappling showcase. The event also served as a launching pad for several fighters looking to climb the rankings, including Danny Silva (14-4), who secured a decision victory over Kurtis Campbell in a lightweight bout.

For the UFC, the event was a reminder of the unpredictability of fight sports, where even the most meticulously planned events can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances. As the promotion continues to expand globally, incidents like Carolina’s weigh-in failure highlight the need for clearer policies on weight-class management and fighter health. For Carolina, the road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: her ability to adapt will determine whether she remains a part of the UFC’s future.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Carolina, the UFC, and MMA Fans

• Luana Carolina’s eighth-pound weight miss at UFC London is her third missed cut in the UFC and fourth overall, jeopardizing her future with the promotion.
• The Nevada State Athletic Commission’s decision to cancel the bout underscores a stricter regulatory stance on weight-cut failures, particularly for repeat offenders.
• Melissa Mullins, despite her own history of weight issues, emerged unscathed this time but faces the challenge of regrouping after another canceled fight.
• The incident raises broader questions about the sustainability of extreme weight-cutting in MMA and the UFC’s evolving policies on fighter health.
• UFC London proceeded without major incident, delivering a competitive card that highlighted the depth of the featherweight and welterweight divisions.

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