The UFC cut Ottman Azaitar one day before his fight against Matt Frevola due to violating safety protocols on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. The details as told by Dana White to MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun paint a suspicious activity one day before weigh-ins.
The UFC announced that Azaitar’s fight was off due to a “violation of health and safety protocols.” White told Hannoun that his team cut off the wristbands given to each member allowed at the fighter hotel to allow for someone outside the ‘bubble’ to come in. The individual snuck into Azaitar’s room with a bag and then changed his clothes. According to White, the whole thing was caught on video as the trespasser attempted to leave.
It was not known what was in the bag.
Frevola found a replacement fight in Arman Tsarukyan as his fight with Nasrat Haqparast was cancelled due to an illness to Haqparast.
Payout Perspective:
An unfortunate end to Azaitar’s budding career but the safety and health protocols are paramount and attempting to circumvent so brazenly required expulsion. I am not sure why he needed the bag so badly but it cost him dearly. This will be a cautionary tale for anyone attempting to break the rules.
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