UFC lightweight Ottman Azaitar is no longer with the promotion after breaking the COVID-19 security protocol in Abu Dhabi.
Azaitar would compete at UFC 257 against Matt Frevola this Saturday, but during Friday’s official weigh-in it was announced that he had been removed from the card. The UFC later announced that the removal of Azaitar was due to a recent violation of the health and safety protocols. ‘
UFC President Dana White later confirmed in an interview with BT Sport that Azaitar has been cut off for his actions, news first reported by MMA Junkie. According to White, Azaitar sought to help others enter the UFC’s designated safety zone and circumvent COVID-19 quarantine measures.
“He and his team cut off their wristbands and gave them to someone outside the bubble. I don’t know how they did it,” White said. ‘That man stuck them, with a bag arrived here, entered a room, shuffled over four balconies, went into his room and unloaded the bag, put on his clothes and then left.
‘Now, when security tried to stop him, he would in no way stop, and yes, it’s just … he’s gone. He’s not a UFC fighter anymore and is not fighting tonight. ”
With Azaitar out, Frevola now face Arman Tsarukyan at a catch weight of 157 pounds. Tsarukyan lost his original opponent, Nasrat Haqparast, to an illness.
Azaitar (30) is unbeaten in 13 preseason games and he won his first two UFC fights by a knockout in the first round. He knocked out Teemu Packalen in his octagonal debut at UFC 242, and followed that up with a 93-second TKO from Khama Worthy during a UFC Fight Night event last September.