Flyweight contender Askar Askarov on the verge of UFC release

It appears that Askar Askaraov's inclusion on the UFC roster is in doubt.

Askaraov said in an Instagram post on Saturday that he had received "a great reaction" after requesting that the UFC let him out of his contract, which, he noted, has just one bout left.

“Due to my return being delayed due to medical reasons and being my last fight under my contract, I asked UFC to release me,” Askarov wrote in Russian, according to the translation. “To which, I received a positive response. First, let’s put our health in order, and then we will see what and how.”

Whether Askaraov's post indicates that he has been released is unknown. When sources tried to ask the UFC, they didn't confirm or announce the athlete release statement.

At 125 pounds, Askarov, 30, is ranked No. 4 in the most recent official UFC rankings. At UFC Fight Night 212 two weeks ago, he was scheduled to face No. 5 Brandon Royval, but Askarov (14-1-1 MMA, 3-1-1 UFC) withdrew on the day of weigh-ins due to problems with weight-cutting.

When Askarov competed against Joseph Benavidez at UFC 259 in March 2021, he failed to make weight. At 127 pounds, he suffered a financial setback following his unanimous decision victory. He suffered his first defeat in March when Kai Kara-France defeated him at UFC on ESPN 33. With the victory, Kara-France earned a crack at the interim title, forcing Askarov to start over.

In July, he was scheduled to meet Alex Perez, but Askarov canceled. A difficult period for the Dagestani fighter was made worse by missing weight before the bout.