UFC 325: Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar Cancelled After Weigh-In Issue
UFC 325 faced an unexpected turn of events with the cancellation of the flyweight match between Aaron Tau and Namsrai Batbayar. The scheduled fight, set to take place in Australia, was scrapped due to a significant issue encountered during the weigh-ins.
Weigh-In Controversy
Aaron Tau, hailing from New Zealand, experienced a perplexing situation at the weigh-ins in Sydney. Initially, he stepped on the scales behind a curtain, a method sometimes used to help fighters cut weight. His first recorded weight was 122.25 pounds (8 stone 10.25 pounds).
This preliminary weight sparked confusion among commentators Chris Weidman and RJ Clifford during the live broadcast. They raised concerns about how Tau could be so far under the flyweight limit while utilizing the curtain.
Official Weigh-In Results
Following the initial weigh-in, UFC officials instructed Tau to weigh in again without the curtain. This time, he tipped the scales at 129 pounds (9 stone 2 pounds), which is 3 pounds over the flyweight limit. As a result, the UFC officially announced the bout had been removed from the event’s lineup.
Comparisons to Past Incidents
The commentators drew parallels between this incident and a well-known situation involving former champion Daniel Cormier. In 2017, Cormier faced scrutiny during his title fight weigh-in when he weighed 1.2 pounds over the light-heavyweight limit. He later officially weighed 205 pounds but was seen using a towel for support during the process.
- Event: UFC 325
- Fighter: Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar
- Original Weight: 122.25 pounds
- Final Weight: 129 pounds
- Weight Limit: 126 pounds (flyweight)
- Location: Sydney, Australia
Despite the chaos surrounding the weigh-in, no sanction was issued against Tau. However, the cancellation has raised questions about the regulations surrounding fighter weigh-ins. Fans and commentators alike will be watching for any updates on potential rescheduling or future fight opportunities for both fighters.