In a move likely to clean up the roster and free some money for free agents like Rory MacDonald, Bellator MMA has parted ways with seven fighters, including former title challenger Dave Jansen.
According to a report by MMAjunkie, Jansen, Mike Richman, Mikkel Parlo, Raphael Butler, Houston Alexander, Isao Kobayashi and Thiago Goncalves Jambo have all been released.
Jansen (20-4) fought for the Bellator title against then-champion Will Brooks, suffering his first loss in seven fights at that time. He also was bested by top contender Marcin Held after the Brooks loss.
Richman is currently serving a two-year suspension after failing a drug test, while Jambo announced his retirement recently after dropping his promotional debut.
Alexander is a former UFC fighter who has gone 16-14-1 over his career, but just 1-3-1 with Bellator. Parlo and Butler each won four of their bouts with Bellator.