By Field Level Media
Aug 25 (Field Level Media) – UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett andGable Steveson should be able to celebrate their victories without riskingpart of their fight purses.
The three UFC 329 winners have hearings scheduled before the Nevada StateAthletic Commission on Wednesday over their post-fight celebrations at theJuly 11 event in Las Vegas. The commission will determine whether a portion oftheir purses deserved to be withheld after they allegedly violated rulesregarding climbing or leaving the cage.
Cormier, now a UFC analyst, argued on his YouTube show that the regulationdoes little to serve the sport.
“That is probably the most ridiculous rule in mixed martial arts,” Cormiersaid. “This rule right here is absolutely absurd.”
Holloway and Pimblett were shown leaving the cage, which is prohibited inNevada, following first-round victories. Holloway defeated Conor McGregorafter the latter sustained a knee injury in their main event, while Pimblettsubmitted Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Steveson knocked out ElishaEllison in the first round of his UFC debut.
Cormier said fighters are often overcome by emotion after significantvictories and pointed to his own reaction after knocking out Stipe Miocic towin the UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 226 in 2018.
“In those three cases, those guys all experienced euphoria,” Cormier said.”They experienced this fulfillment that you can’t even sit at home and try toreplicate.”
Pimblett’s manager, Graham Boylan, told MMA Junkie that the rule is “outdated”and advocated for a change.
The commission has not yet announced what penalties, if any, Holloway,Pimblett or Steveson will receive.
(–Field Level Media)
