Fri Sep 13 01:15:55 UTC 2024: ## UFC Fight Cancelled Due to Fighter’s Anxiety: DWCS Competitor Left in Limbo
**Las Vegas, NV** – A bizarre turn of events unfolded during a scheduled UFC Fight Night bout, leaving one competitor frustrated and the other grappling with anxiety.
Kody Steele, a rising prospect in the lightweight division, was set to face Quemuel Ottoni on Tuesday. The fight was initially cancelled, then reinstated, and then cancelled again, all within a short period of time. Steele was left confused and frustrated, having been repeatedly instructed to remove and then re-apply his hand wraps.
The reason for the cancellations? Ottoni, Steele’s opponent, experienced a severe anxiety attack in the locker room, ultimately leading him to withdraw from the fight. Ottoni, who had previously expressed concerns about the pressure of fighting at the UFC level, explained in a post on social media that the “mix of everything” – cameras, crowds, and the pre-fight rituals – overwhelmed him.
Steele, who had already gone through the emotional roller coaster of the fight’s on-again, off-again status, was left disappointed. He expressed understanding for Ottoni’s situation but acknowledged the frustration of being robbed of an opportunity to showcase his skills.
UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the unusual situation, stating that he prefers fighters to recognize their limits earlier rather than in the middle of a fight.
The incident highlighted the mental and emotional toll that professional fighting can take on athletes, even those with impressive records. Steele, despite the disappointment, remains focused on his upcoming fight and is determined to prove himself in the octagon.