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Ottoman Azaitar Removed from UFC 257 at Fight Island, Violates COVID-19 Protocols

The Ultimate Fighting Championship cut undefeated lightweight Ottman Azaitar from its roster on Friday, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

This news comes one day before Azaitar—the German-Moroccan lightweight—was slated to face Matt Frevola at UFC 257 on Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Azaitar (13-0) was cut from UFC 257 after committing a violation of the health and safety protocols" at the W Hotel (the bubble) in Abu Dhabi. Azaitar has 10 career knockouts.

UFC president Dana White said his security team noticed an unauthorized person entering the fighter hotel with a wristband provided by Azaitar to deliver a bag to the fighter's room, according to BT Sport.