Ontario Athletic Commission forces Emil Meek to cut trademark beard

TORONTO – Emil Meek will have to make his UFC 206 debut with an altered look.

During the official weigh-ins in Toronto on Friday morning, the Ontario Athletic Commission ordered the Norwegian fighter Meek to cut his trademark beard if he wants to remain on Saturday night’s card against Jordan Mein.

Meek’s camp told MMA Fighting that the explanation given to him was that if they can grab the beard, it’s considered too long.

Per Ontario MMA rules, "all contestants shall be cleanly shaven immediately prior to competition, except that a contestant may wear a closely cropped mustache."

Valhalla #nobeard :( #ufc206 pic.twitter.com/HUlDiuMfUe

— #ValhallaArmy (@emilvalhalla) December 9, 2016

The 28-year old Meek, who is coming off of a 45-second knockout of Rousimar Palhares back in May, goes by the nickname "Valhalla" in homage to the Norse heaven in Asgard. His beard — as well as his two-sided ax — was part of the "viking" look that he was known for.

Meek’s fight with Mein was bumped up to the main card after the original main event between Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier was scrapped.