Michael Bisping recently shared his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett potentially losing his UFC 329 payout over an in-cage celebration violation.
For context, Pimblett went up against Benoit Saint Denis in a lightweight clash at UFC 329 in July, and the Liverpudlian got his hand raised via an incredible first-round submission. During his post-win celebration, Pimblett jumped over the octagon to greet the UFC brass and the broadcasting team.
Max Holloway and Gable Steveson are also under investigation for jumping the cage after their wins on the same card. Given that jumping over the cage is considered a violation per the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) rules, Pimblett hasn’t received his purse money for the fight and could lose a portion of it as punishment for his celebration.
Ahead of the NSAC’s monthly meeting this week, Bisping ripped into the “ridiculous” rules in a video posted to his YouTube channel and said:
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“It all goes back to when Paddy beat Benoit St. Denis. What did he do? He celebrated. He jumped on the cage as a lot of fighters do. Max Holloway did it. Gable Steveson did it. And they’re also under investigation and could have their purses withheld or potentially are going to get fined thousands of dollars. This is utterly ridiculous. I hate this rule.”
He added:
“Boxers jump on the ropes all the time. But MMA fighters jump on the cage and suddenly they get fined or have their purses withheld. It’s nonsense. It’s a crime. It’s the athletic commissions trying to get a few bucks for themselves. This rule needs to be changed.”
Daniel Cormier on Paddy Pimblett and other UFC 329 stars having their purses withheld
Like Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier also doesn’t agree with UFC 329 fighters like Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, and Gable Steveson having their purses withheld for their celebrations.
In a YouTube video, Cormier called this rule “the most ridiculous” in mixed martial arts and said:
“We are in a sport that, at times, can be ridiculous. Three fighters from UFC 329 are having sanctioning hearings for celebrations. I’ve got to be honest with you: That is probably the most ridiculous rule in mixed martial arts.”
He added:
“Look, we’ve got rules. You can’t kick each other in the nuts. Of course you shouldn’t kick each other in the nuts. You should not poke each other in the eyes, and you should not do certain things when you’re fighting. But to tell a fighter not to celebrate with enthusiasm is absurd.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]
Edited by Nishant Zende.
