Guinea’s Losene Keita was set to face former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in his UFC debut, but he missed weight and the fight was cancelled.
Keita had enjoyed a strong career run before signing with the UFC earlier this year. At Friday’s weigh-in, he came in at 149 pounds, which put him over the featherweight limit, forcing matchmakers to scrap the bout. The setback marked the first weight miss of Keita’s 16-1-0 professional career. Following the incident, Keita took to Instagram to apologise for his removal.
“Dear fans, I need to start by saying sorry to everyone to Pitbull and his team, to the UFC, Hunter, and to my fans. I’m so sorry to let you down,” Keita wrote.
“In 25 fights I never missed weight. I have always been professional with weight, with promotions, and with my opponents. I’ve made five title fights, two of them at featherweight, where there is no allowance, and I never missed weight. Unfortunately, this happened when it couldn’t ever happen, in my UFC debut.
“I’m truly sorry. This was for sure the first and last time it will ever happen in my career.
“I am devastated with this, and I just hope the UFC gives me another chance, because I live for this. This was my dream. Thank you for your support.”
Despite rumours after UFC Paris suggesting otherwise, Losene Keita will remain on the UFC roster. During the post-fight press conference, UFC Senior Vice President of International and Content David Shaw confirmed Keita had not been cut.
“I believe Keita has a future in the UFC,” Shaw said. “Honestly, I don’t know the specifics. I think a few of us were surprised the fight didn’t happen, but in any case, it’s going to be good to have him on the roster.”
