Aaron Tau Speaks Out After Weight Cut Issue Cancels Fight
The world of mixed martial arts often presents athletes with challenges beyond combat. Aarons Tau, a 32-year-old fighter from New Zealand, recently faced one of his biggest hurdles during the weight cut for his highly anticipated bout. Scheduled to fight Namsrai Batbayar in the Road to UFC Season 4 flyweight tournament finals, Tau’s weight cut did not go as planned.
Aaron Tau’s Weight Cut Controversy
During the weigh-ins on Friday, Tau encountered an unexpected situation. He was the last fighter to step onto the scale. In his first attempt, Tau used a privacy box, registering at 122.5 pounds. However, this raised concerns among officials, as he appeared to leverage the box to compensate for his weight.
After much deliberation, the commission requested a second weigh-in without the privacy screen. This time, Tau’s weight was recorded at 129 pounds, significantly above the 126-pound limit for the flyweight division. Consequently, the fight was promptly canceled.
Apology and Reflection
Following the incident, Tau took to Instagram to express his regret. In his statement, he said, “I need to apologize to my opponent, the UFC, my team, and my fans. Though I pushed to the end, I have one job, to make weight and fight. I didn’t do that. I’m sorry.”
Aaron Tau’s Background
Tau is affiliated with the renowned City Kickboxing team, known for producing elite fighters. He previously competed in the Contender Series in 2024, where he lost to Elijah Smith by unanimous decision, failing to secure a contract. Subsequently, he achieved two victories in the regional circuit, earning his place in the Road to UFC finals.
- Age: 32
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Team: City Kickboxing
- Career Record: 11 wins, 1 loss
Aaron Tau’s experience serves as a reminder of the difficulties fighters face both in and out of the cage, particularly regarding weight management. While he aimed for success in the tournament, this setback highlights the importance of discipline and adherence to regulations in combat sports.