UFC Severs Ties with Fighter Following Controversial Weigh-In Episode
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially terminated its contract with Aaron Tau following a highly controversial weigh-in incident that resulted in the cancellation of his scheduled bout. The New Zealand mixed martial artist was caught attempting to manipulate the scales during official weigh-ins for UFC 325 in Sydney, leading to immediate consequences from the promotion.
Weigh-In Deception Uncovered
Aaron Tau, a 32-year-old fighter from New Zealand, initially stepped onto the scales registering 122.5 pounds, which was notably 2.5 pounds below the flyweight limit. This unusually low weight immediately raised suspicions among UFC officials and observers due to the presence of the curtain, which typically indicates a fighter is weighing in naked during particularly difficult weight cuts.
UFC panelists Chris Weidman and RJ Clifford noticed something suspicious during the weigh-in process. They observed Tau flexing while positioned behind the curtain and questioned whether he was making contact with the sides using his elbows. This technique mirrors a notorious method previously employed by Daniel Cormier during a 2017 light-heavyweight title defense, where leaning on surrounding structures reduces pressure on the scales.
True Weight Revealed and Immediate Fallout
After raising significant concerns with his initial underweight measurement, Tau was compelled by the athletic commission to undergo a second weigh-in. This subsequent measurement revealed his actual weight as 129 pounds, a full 3 pounds over the established flyweight limit of 126 pounds.
The consequences were swift and severe. Tau's scheduled preliminary bout against Namsrai Batbayar was immediately cancelled from the UFC 325 card. The promotion subsequently took the extraordinary step of removing "Tauzemup" from their active roster entirely, as first reported by MMA Ecosystem.
Background and Missed Opportunity
Aaron Tau was making his second attempt at establishing himself within the UFC organization. His previous opportunity came during a September 2024 bout against Elijah Smith on Dana White's Contender Series, where he suffered a decision loss. Since that defeat, Tau had compiled an impressive professional record of 11-1, securing victories in his last two appearances at Road to UFC events.
The Road to UFC tournament serves as a crucial pathway for top mixed martial arts prospects from Asia to enter the premier organization. Tau's scheduled fight against Batbayar was specifically billed as the Road to UFC final, representing a significant career opportunity that ultimately evaporated due to his weigh-in misconduct.
The New Zealand fighter had garnered considerable attention leading up to the event, partly due to his distinctive facial tattoo that reflects his Maori heritage. His attempted deception at the weigh-ins, however, has now overshadowed any positive recognition he might have received.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict protocols governing professional mixed martial arts competitions and the severe consequences facing athletes who attempt to circumvent established rules. The UFC's decisive action demonstrates their commitment to maintaining integrity within their weigh-in procedures and competition standards.
