UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson should be able to celebrate their victories without risking part of their fight purses.
The three UFC 329 winners have hearings scheduled before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Wednesday over their post-fight celebrations at the July 11 event in Las Vegas. The commission will determine whether a portion of their purses deserved to be withheld after they allegedly violated rules regarding climbing or leaving the cage.
Cormier, now a UFC analyst, argued on his YouTube show that the regulation does little to serve the sport.
“That is probably the most ridiculous rule in mixed martial arts,” Cormier said. “This rule right here is absolutely absurd.”
Holloway and Pimblett were shown leaving the cage, which is prohibited in Nevada, following first-round victories. Holloway defeated Conor McGregor after the latter sustained a knee injury in their main event, while Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Steveson knocked out Elisha Ellison in the first round of his UFC debut.
Cormier said fighters are often overcome by emotion after significant victories and pointed to his own reaction after knocking out Stipe Miocic to win 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 to replicate.”
Pimblett’s manager, Graham Boylan, told MMA Junkie that the rule is “outdated” and advocated for a change.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
