In a disheartening turn of events, Aaron Tau of New Zealand has been forced to withdraw from the Road to UFC Season 4 flyweight tournament finals due to a failure to make weight. Scheduled to fight Namsrai Batbayar, Tau’s weigh-ins took an unexpected twist on Friday, January 30, 2026, during the official weigh-ins held at the Hilton Sydney.
Tau made headlines as the final competitor to step onto the scale, initially appearing to successfully weigh in at 122.5 pounds while using a privacy box—a method that raised eyebrows. However, after the commission expressed concerns about the accuracy of the first reading, Tau was instructed to weigh in again in a more conventional manner, resulting in a weight of 129 pounds, significantly over the 126-pound limit.
This incident led to the immediate cancellation of the bout, disappointing fans and fellow fighters alike. Shortly after, Tau took to Instagram to express his regret over the situation, stating, “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.”
The incident highlights the often tumultuous relationship fighters have with weight management and the pressure they face before bouts. While this particular setback is unfortunate for Tau and his supporters, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to weigh-in protocols in competitive sports. As fighters work tirelessly to prepare for their matches, the challenges of making weight remain a significant and sometimes overwhelming battle.