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Daniel Cormier doesn’t agree with how the NSAC is handling the post-fight celebrations of three fighters who were victorious at UFC 329.
Paddy Pimblett is one of the winners who is having his fight purse withheld due to celebratory gestures. The exact details of what caused the celebrations to be flagged weren’t mentioned, but many have taken the athletic commission to task for trying to dictate how the fighters react to career-defining moments.
You can count Cormier as the latest critic. The UFC Hall of Famer, who was on the call with Jon Anik and Joe Rogan for UFC 329, took to his YouTube channel to react to the NSAC withholding fighter pay for celebrations (via Bloody Elbow).
“We are in a sport that, at times, can be ridiculous,” Cormier said. “Three fighters from UFC 329 are having sanctioning hearings for celebrations. I’ve gotta be honest with you, that is probably the most ridiculous rule in mixed martial arts. Look, we’ve got rules. You can’t kick each other in the nuts. Of course, you shouldn’t… you should not poke each other in the eyes and you should not do certain things when you’re fighting.
“But to tell me a fighter (cannot) celebrate with enthusiasm, it’s absurd,” he continued. “Now you’re telling me Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson are going to go in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission because of their celebrations.”
Cormier said if the punishment comes down to simply climbing the top of the Octagon, he feels it’s an antiquated rule that needs to be removed.
“You are told you cannot jump on top of the cage… You can’t help it! You really cannot help it… This rule right here is absolutely absurd.”
The two other fighters who have had their pay withheld are UFC 329 headliner Max Holloway and debutant Gable Steveson. The withheld purses will be brought up in a hearing this coming week.
Do you think athletic commissions should lay off when it comes to fighter celebrations as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the medical staff or puts anyone in danger? Leave a comment below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
