UFC 325 Fight Axed Following Fighter's Failed Weigh-In Deception
Aaron Tau's controversial attempt to manipulate the scales has resulted in the cancellation of his highly anticipated bout at UFC 325, casting a shadow over the event's preliminaries.
Cheating Scandal Unfolds at Sydney Weigh-In
In a shocking turn of events, Aaron Tau, a flyweight contender with a professional record of 11-1, tried to deceive commissioners during the official weigh-in for his Road to UFC tournament final against Namsrai Batbayar. Tau leaned on the curtain designed for private weigh-ins, significantly reducing the pressure on his elbows, which initially showed him at 122.5lb—2.5lb under the flyweight limit.
However, suspicions were raised as Tau took an unusually long time to complete his weigh-in. The commission intervened, forcing him to re-weigh, where his true weight was revealed to be 126lb, a full 3lb over the allowed limit. This blatant attempt at cheating led to the immediate scrapping of the fight, as announced on the UFC's official morning weigh-in show.
Historical Precedent and Failed Replication
This incident draws parallels to a 2017 controversy involving former dual-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier, who admitted to gently placing his hands on a towel to make weight for a light-heavyweight title defence. Cormier's trick succeeded, allowing his fight against Anthony Johnson to proceed, where he secured a submission victory.
In contrast, Tau's effort to replicate this method backfired spectacularly. Analysts Chris Weidman and RJ Clifford questioned during the broadcast whether Tau was touching the sides with his elbows, highlighting the scrutiny such actions now face in modern MMA.
Background and Cultural Context of the Fighter
Aaron Tau had garnered significant attention leading up to UFC 325, largely due to his distinctive face tattoo and outspoken pride in his Maori heritage. In interviews, he expressed a desire to promote indigenous culture on the global stage, stating, "It's a privilege to be able to carry this onto the world stage and have the opportunity to share this part of myself and this part of our culture."
Despite his aspirations, this scandal has overshadowed his message, turning focus instead to the integrity of the sport's weigh-in procedures.
Impact on UFC 325 and Main Event Details
Thankfully, no other fighters encountered issues on the scales, ensuring the main event remains intact. Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes in a much-anticipated rematch, with both competitors successfully weighing in at or under 145lb.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January, at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. Preliminary bouts begin at 10pm GMT, leading up to the main card at 2am GMT on Sunday. UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports, while US audiences have access via Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass.
This cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the strict regulations governing MMA and the consequences of attempting to circumvent them, potentially affecting Tau's future in the promotion.
