Newly-signed Belgian star Keita was all set to make his Octagon debut in the main card opener at Accor Arena, where he was due to take on former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull in a featherweight bout.
Unfortunately, Keita’s chance to shine in Paris evaporated when he tipped the scale at 149 pounds – three pounds over the featherweight limit – for his bout with Pitbull. As a result the matchup was removed from Saturday night’s fight card.
After taking some time to process the news, Keita took to social media to issue an apology to his opponent, to the UFC, and to the fans after the first weight miss of his professional career.
“Dear fans, I need to start to say sorry to everyone, to Pitbull and his team, to the UFC, Hunter, and to my fans! I’m so sorry to let you down,” he began.
“In 25 fights, I never missed weight. I have always been professional with weight, with the promotions, and to my opponents.
View this post on Instagram
“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 couldn’t ever happen, on my UFC debut!!
“I’m truly sorry, this was for sure the first time and last it (will) happen in my career.
“I’m 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!”
