UFC lightweight Ottman Azaitar is no longer in the promotion after breaking the security protocol of COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi.
Azaitar was scheduled to fight UFC 257 this Saturday against Matt Frevola, but during Friday’s official weigh-in it was announced that he had been removed from the card. The UFC later announced that Azaitar’s removal was due to “a recent violation of health and safety protocols”.
UFC president Dana White later confirmed in an interview with BT Sport that Azaitar had been cut for his actions, news that was first reported by MMA Junkie. According to White, Azaitar tried to help others enter the UFC’s designated security zone and bypass COVID-19’s quarantine measures.
“He and his team cut their bracelets, gave it to someone outside the bubble, I don’t know how they did it,” said White. “That guy recorded them, showed up here with a bag, went into a room, slid across four balconies, went into his room, left the bag, changed clothes and then left.
“Now, when security tried to stop him, he didn’t stop anyway, and yes, it’s just… he’s gone. He is no longer a UFC fighter and will not fight tonight. “
With Azaitar out, Frevola now faces Arman Tsarukyan in a 57 kg catch weight fight. Tsarukyan lost his originally programmed opponent, Nasrat Haqparast, due to illness.
Azaitar, 30, has been undefeated for 13 professional fights and won his first two fights in the UFC by knockout in the first round. He knocked out Teemu Packalen on his octagon debut at UFC 242, and followed up with a 93-second technical knockout against Khama Worthy at an UFC Fight Night event last September.