Ottman Azaitar was released by the UFC for violating the COVID-19 security protocols at “Ilha da Luta” in Abu Dhabi.
Azaitar was scheduled to fight Matt Frevola on Saturday at UFC 257, but did not make it to Friday’s official weigh-in. The reason was unknown until the UFC announced that it was “aware of a recent breach of the health and safety protocols involving” Azaitar, causing his fight to be canceled.
UFC President Dana White said Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie that Azaitar was cut off for his actions and offered details about what happened.
“He and his team cut his bracelets and took them out to people, a guy,” said White. “This guy entered the bubble, entered a room, went down four balconies, entered the balcony (from Azaitar) and dropped a bag of we don’t know what. Then he changed his clothes and went back out of the bubble. We put everything on the camera, saw everything and how it all happened, pulled his fight and cut him off ”.
The UFC confirmed that Azaitar was removed from the “Ilha da Luta” security zone.
Azaitar, 30, is undefeated overall with 13-0. He had a career start in the UFC, scoring consecutive knockouts in the first round of Teemu Packalen and Khama Worthy in the first two fights with the organization, the last one last September.