Ottman Azaitar has been released by the UFC for violating COVID-19 security protocols on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi.
Azaitar would fight Matt Frevola against UFC 257 on Saturday, but did not reach Friday’s official balance sheet. The reason was unknown until the UFC announced that he was’ aware of a recent violation of the health and safety protocols in which Azaitar was involved, which caused the cancellation of his match.
UFC President Dana White told Mara Junkie’s Farah Hannoun that Azaitar was cut out for his actions and offered details about what happened.
Dana White’s statement on the release of Ottman Azaitar.
Full interview for @UFCarabia: https://t.co/I4vfjmbgFC pic.twitter.com/icpVDTs0uS
– Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) 22 January 2021
“He and his team cut off their wristbands and brought them to people on the outside, one man,” White said. ‘This man entered the bubble, entered through a room, climbed down four balconies, entered through (Azaitar)’s balcony and left a bag we do not know what. Then he put on his clothes and went back outside the bubble. We got everything on camera, we saw the whole thing, and how it all went down, pulled his fight and cut him. ‘
The UFC has confirmed that Azaitar has been removed from the security zone on ‘Fight Island’.
Azaitar (30) is completely unbeaten at 13-0. He had a brilliant start in the UFC and struck out in the first two fights with the promotion, Teemu Packalen and Khama Worthy, in the first round, the latter of which took place in September last year.