UFC Releases Aaron Tau After Weigh-In Scandal

The UFC has parted ways with flyweight Aaron Tau following a controversial weigh-in scandal at UFC 325.

The trouble began when Tau arrived for his scheduled bout against Namsrai Batbayar at the weigh-in. Tau initially requested the “hoop” (a curtain used for fighters who need to strip naked to make weight). Behind the curtain, he was announced at 122.25 lbs—3.75 lbs under the limit. 

Officials had him step back on the scale. Without the curtain, Tau weighed in at 129 lbs—3 lbs over the flyweight limit. During the curtain weigh-in, Tau appeared to be placing his hands on the support structure to alleviate pressure on the scale, a direct attempt to “cheat.” Tau was removed from the card, with suggestions the fight could be rescheduled. While Tau apologized for his conduct, the UFC has now terminated his contract. 

“I need to apologize to my opponent, the UFC, my team and my fans. Thought I pushed to the end, I have one job, to make weight and fight. I didn’t do that. I’m sorry,” Tau said 

The incident has drawn up a lot of talking points. Tau may have damaged any chances he ever had of competing in MMA with other promotions, which are more likely to be wary.

“That’s really unfortunate because he had two great showings… and he made weight in a relatively close span of time, so I’m really curious as to why he didn’t make weight for this fight. Essentially, the biggest fight of his life, his last shot to get to the UFC and let’s remember, he wasn’t Dana White’s favourite fighter. He had this great fight with Elijah Smith but Dana didn’t like the antics so he really needed to make the weight and go out and put on a big show to punch his ticket to the UFC. “I’m really curious what happened,” Michael Chiesa stated