UFC president Dana White released Ottman Azaitar from the promotion the day before his scheduled fight at UFC 257 for attempting to sneak others into the COVID-19 safety bubble on Fight Island.
The bout between Azaitar (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and Matt Frevola (8-1-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC) was scratched from the card early Friday after the official weigh-ins, but no reason was given. White later told Farah Hannoun at MMA Junkie that it was because of the fighter breaking safety protocol. He was also released for the act.
Dana White’s statement on Ottman Azaitar’s release.