MMA Fighter 'Sacked' After Being Caught 'Cheating' Ahead of UFC 325

UFC have reportedly 'cut ties' with the MMA fighter who was caught 'cheating' ahead of UFC 325.

Last weekend, all eyes were on the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, as UFC 325 took place.

The event was headlined by Alexander Volkanovski, who was facing Diego Lopes for the UFC Featherweight Championship.

Volkanovski managed to defend his title after winning via unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout 49–46, 49–46 and 50–45 in the Australian's favour.

Meanwhile, the likes of Benoit Saint Denis, Mauricio Ruffy, Tallison Teixeira and Quillan Salkilld beat the likes of Dan Hooker, Rafael Fiziev, Tai Tuivasa and Jamie Mullarkey.

However, one fight did not happen after a controversial moment during the pre-fight weigh-in.

Weigh-ins are mandatory ahead of a bout to ensure fighters are within the confines of their particular weight category, and to make sure the fight can go ahead with one competitor not having an unfair weight advantage over the other.

New Zealander Aaron Tau was scheduled to take on Mongolian fighter Namsrai Batbayar in the flyweight division.

However, the fight did not go ahead after Tau failed to make the weight limit.

It was alleged that Tau initially weighed 122.25lbs behind a curtain, which was 3.75lbs under the weight limit and raised questions about why it was needed, as it is typically used when there are very tight limits.

Tau then stepped on the scales again in his underwear and weighed 129lbs, which is 3lbs over the flyweight limit. He attempted to 'cheat' the scales by placing his hands on the curtain, but the damage was done.

Having been removed from the UFC 325 card, it was previously reported that the fight could be rescheduled for later in the year.

However, as per MMA Fighting, UFC have now decided to cut ties with Tau.

The report stated that 'a person with knowledge of the promotion’s plans has confirmed' the decision to cut ties with Tau.

Taking to social media after the weigh-in, Tau wrote: "I need to apologize to my opponent, the UFC, my team and my fans.

"Thought I pushed to the end, I have one job, to make weight and fight. I didn’t do that. I’m sorry."