Ali Abdelaziz banned from attending PFL events following assault on fellow manager Abe Kawa

Despite having 10 of his clients fighting on the Professional Fighters League, Ali Abdelaziz would not be able to attend the event scheduled for Thursday. The league told ESPN on Wednesday that the high profile manager will be forbidden from attending events following his involvement in a physical altercation with fellow MMA manager Abraham Kawa at an Oct. 11 PFL event, an incident that has resulted in Abdelaziz being cited for battery.

“At league direction, Ali Abdelaziz will not be attending upcoming postseason events,” officials wrote in the statement. “Given the fact this is a legal matter, the league has no further comment at this time.”

Meanwhile Abdelaziz is cooperating and doesn’t want to be a distraction for his clients.

“I spoke to PFL executives earlier this week and I don’t want this story to be about me,” Abdelaziz said. “The focus should be on my athletes in the PFL. I have 10 athletes fighting on Thursday and we made sure everybody made weight and has everything they need. I continue to support my athletes.”

Kawa has asserted in his statement given to the police that Abdelaziz had struck him with a close fist while he moved towards him for what he thought would be a conversation. The report also mentions that the story was corroborated by Leisette France, the fiancee of UFC fighter Anthony Pettis, a client of Kawa’s First Round Management.