Fighter Set for UFC Debut Gets Cut After Missing Weight: Losene Keita’s Nightmare in Paris

September 6, 2025, Paris, France
What promised to be a defining moment for rising MMA sensation Losene Keita, the transition from European champ to global contender, turned into a cautionary tale of professionalism under pressure.

A Debut Set in the Limelight

Keita, known as the “Black Panther,” arrived in Paris with strong momentum. A decorated two-division champion in Oktagon MMA, the 27-year-old Belgian-Guinean star was making what many anticipated to be a spectacular UFC debut. He was matched against former Bellator legend and two-division champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, a marquee bout set to open the main card of UFC Paris.

Weigh-In Fiasco

At the official weigh-ins on the morning of September 5, trouble arrived. Keita stepped on the scale at 149 pounds, missing the featherweight non-title limit of 146 pounds by three pounds. Word is, this wasn’t a fluke: Pitbull had his concerns, noting Keita hadn’t fought at featherweight since 2023 and appeared to still be walking around near 170 pounds.

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Pitbull’s Furious Reaction

Patricio Freire made it clear there was no catchweight, no allowances. In a heated video posted to social media, he said:

“At 9 a.m. he weighed in, he was over, and instead of trying until 11 a.m., which is the limit, he was eating baby food. F*ck you, man. … Black Panther? He’s Fat Panther.”

Pitbull declared he fought for legacy, not money, and refused to give Keita a break—even though the bout was happening in Keita’s backyard in Paris. He demanded a rebooking, potentially in UFC Rio next month.

Keita’s Apology

The fallout was swift. UFC President Dana White removed Keita from the card. On social media, Keita offered a heartfelt apology:

“For the first time in 25 fights, I failed to make weight… I wanted to continue… I sincerely apologize to my fans. I will be back, like every time I fall in life.”

He also claimed he offered Pitbull his entire fight purse to salvage the bout, but to no avail.

Main Card Lives On

Despite the blow, UFC Paris carried on. The event, headlined by Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho, continued with most fights intact, though the absence of the Keita–Pitbull matchup left a noticeable hole in the card.

What This Means for Keita

Debut Undone. Keita’s long-awaited UFC entrance ended in disappointment—not at the hands of an opponent, but his own body’s miscalculation.

Public Relations Hit. The baby-food comment, plus bold labeling by Pitbull as “Fat Panther,” has made headlines and social media chatter, some unforgiving.

Crisis or Comeback? Keita’s apology reflects regret and eagerness to return. Whether UFC matchmakers will give him that second chance remains to be seen.

Legacy in Balance. He arrives in the UFC as a formidable fighter with high expectations but now must rebuild credibility and trust.