Ali Akbar Rosady
Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson, prominent figures from the recent UFC 329 event, are facing potential financial penalties from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), with their fight purses currently under review. The three athletes are scheduled for hearings on Wednesday regarding the possibility of their earnings being withheld or substantial fines imposed, stemming from their celebratory actions of climbing the Octagon fence following their victories at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11. The initial report of these impending hearings was made by MMA Junkie.
In response to these developments, UFC Hall of Famer and respected commentator Michael Bisping has voiced strong condemnation of the NSAC’s stance. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Bisping characterized the commission’s consideration of withholding portions of the fighters’ salaries as "utterly ridiculous" and "a crime," advocating for a comprehensive review and amendment of the existing regulations.
The controversy centers on a rule enforced by the NSAC that prohibits fighters from scaling the cage after a bout. While the commission typically cites fighter safety and maintaining decorum as primary justifications for such regulations, critics argue that the enforcement of this particular rule stifles organic celebration and detracts from the spectacle of combat sports. The rule’s application has historically been inconsistent, leading to ongoing debate within the mixed martial arts community.
Bisping drew a direct parallel to Paddy Pimblett’s previous fight against Benoit Saint Denis, where Pimblett engaged in a similar celebratory fence climb. "It all goes back to when [Pimblett] beat Benoit Saint Denis and what did he do? He celebrated," Bisping stated. "He jumped on the cage, like a lot of fighters do. He wasn’t the only one that night that jumped on the cage. No, Max Holloway did it. Gable Steveson did it. And they’re also under investigation and they may have their purses withheld or they potentially are going to get fined thousands of dollars."
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The former UFC Middleweight Champion did not mince words regarding his disapproval. "Now, this is utterly ridiculous. I hate this rule," Bisping asserted, emphasizing the emotional intensity inherent in professional fighting and the natural inclination of athletes to express jubilation after a hard-fought victory.
Bisping recounted his own memorable experience at UFC 199 in California, a state known for having one of the strictest athletic commissions globally. Following his stunning knockout victory over Luke Rockhold, which earned him the middleweight championship, Bisping emotionally scaled the Octagon fence in celebration. His ability to do so without penalty, even under a stringent commission, highlights what he perceives as a significant discrepancy in the application of rules across different jurisdictions and potentially even within the same commission over time.
"I did it at UFC 199, which was in California, which is one of the strictest ones in the world," Bisping explained. "A lot of fighters jump on top of the cage. It’s one of the best bits, you want to celebrate, you’ve just won in front of 20,000 people, in front of millions of people watching all over the world. You’re allowed to celebrate winning. Certainly, if you’ve just won the world title."
The celebratory fence climb has become an iconic image in mixed martial arts, often captured in promotional material and highlights reels, contributing significantly to the sport’s entertainment value and connection with its audience. Fighters like Max Holloway, a former Featherweight Champion known for his engaging personality and high-volume striking, and Paddy Pimblett, a rapidly rising lightweight star with a massive following due to his charismatic persona, often leverage these moments to further connect with their fan bases. Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling making his foray into professional mixed martial arts, represents a high-profile talent whose celebratory actions are now under review.
Bisping further drew a comparison to boxing, another combat sport regulated by athletic commissions, where similar displays of exuberance are commonplace and typically unpunished. "Boxers do it in a boxing ring. They jump on the ropes and salute the crowd. That happens all the time and apparently there’s no issue with that," he observed. "But if MMA fighters jump on top of the cage, then they’re going to get fined, they might have their purses withheld. It is utter, absolute dogshit. It’s nonsense. It’s a crime. It is the athletic commissions trying to get a few bucks for themselves. This rule needs to be changed."
The potential financial ramifications for fighters are significant. While the exact amounts of fines or withheld purses are not publicly known at this stage, such penalties can represent a substantial portion of a fighter’s earnings, especially for those who may not command the multi-million dollar paychecks of the sport’s elite. For many athletes, their fight purse is their primary income, and deductions can have a considerable impact on their livelihoods.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission, established in 1941, holds jurisdiction over all professional and amateur unarmed combat sports in Nevada, a state that hosts a significant number of high-profile combat sports events, including many UFC pay-per-views. Its responsibilities include licensing, regulation, and ensuring the safety and fairness of competitions. While the commission’s authority is broad, its enforcement of specific rules, particularly those pertaining to post-fight conduct, frequently sparks debate regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and the freedom of athletic expression.
The upcoming hearings will determine the fate of Holloway, Pimblett, and Steveson’s purses. Possible outcomes range from dismissal of the complaints, leading to no penalties, to the imposition of fines or the withholding of a percentage of their earnings. Bisping expressed a strong desire for the former, and ideally, a broader re-evaluation of the rule itself.
"I hope that gets laughed out of the courtroom," Bisping stated, underscoring his belief in the absurdity of the situation. "I hope they make a rule change. I hope that becomes a thing of the past. Nobody gets hurt, this is absolute bullshit. It’s nonsense, it’s silly, stupid. I respect the athletic commissions, I respect the sport, I respect the game. I respect everyone involved in this, but that is nonsense."
The debate surrounding fighter celebrations and regulatory penalties is ongoing. Proponents of strict enforcement argue for maintaining order, preventing potential injury to fighters or personnel, and upholding contractual obligations regarding sponsor visibility. Conversely, many, like Bisping, contend that such rules stifle the genuine emotion and entertainment value that draw fans to the sport, particularly when celebrations are non-violent and pose no genuine threat to safety. The resolution of these hearings for Holloway, Pimblett, and Steveson could set a precedent for future celebratory actions in Nevada, potentially influencing other athletic commissions across the United States.
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