The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) officially announced on Monday that with aid from the UFC, it is planning to launch an investigation into the massive brawl that took place backstage prior to the UFC 279 press conference.
Just a day before UFC 279 took place, an “absolute s***show” just before the press conference prior to the event took place, which involved multiple backstage brawls including a scuffle between Khamzat Chimaev and Kevin Holland, the two who later went onto face each other on the co-main event. The incident forced UFC prez Dana White to call off the presser.
“S*** show – absolute s*** show back there,” White said at the press conference room. “Ask them questions. There’s lots of crazy s*** going on back there.”
Nevada State Athletic Commission to investigate for possible discipline
The UFC gradually released some clips from the backstage brawls, which showed Chimaev and Holland getting at one another, with involvement from Nate Diaz who went onto win the main event against Tony Ferguson.
A day after UFC 279, the NSAC released an official statement in which it was stated that the Commission is planning to launch an investigation into the brawl. Even though no one was injured at the brawl, the NSAC wants to investigate for possible discipline for everyone who was present.
The statement reads, as per MMA Junkie: “Nevada State Athletic Commission Chairman Stephen J. Cloobeck, and Executive Director Jeff Mullen are aware that the UFC Press Conference on Thursday, September 8, 2022, was cancelled midway through the event. Early reports indicate that an altercation took place prior to and during the press conference, and possibly involved licensed fighters and their associates.”
“The Chairman has been in communications with UFC executives regarding the events of September 8 . At this time, the UFC is working with the Nevada Athletic Commission on a full investigation into this incident. If the Nevada Athletic Commission determines that licensees acted improperly, we will initiate appropriate disciplinary action against all involved.”
“Although “trash talking” between competitive athletes is common, any escalation into physical altercations may discredit the sport of unarmed combat and is wholly unacceptable. Further, such behavior may expose participants to both civil and criminal liability. The Nevada Athletic Commission will act strongly and decisively to safeguard and elevate unarmed combat in Nevada.”
“The Nevada Athletic Commission will strictly discipline all licensees for all incidents of physical violence between athletes outside the ring or cage, up to and including purse forfeiture, revocation or suspension of any current license, denial of applications for new applicants, or denying future license renewals.”
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