ESPN reports that the New York State Athletic Commission fined three for conduct before and during UFC 244.
Corey Anderson was fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and Gastelum was fined $1,000 for violating a weigh-in policy. In addition, Gastelum’s coach, Rafael Cordeiro was fined $200 for helping his fighter during the weigh-in process. Video of Gastelum’s weigh-in showed his right arm touching Cordeiro which may have helped him make weight for his contest against Darren Till.
Anderson’s KO of Johnny Walker caused the usually reserved light heavyweight to burst with emotion and seemingly mock him.
Payout Perspective:
The heavy-handed fines seem disproportionate. While Anderson’s actions are unsportsmanlike, the $10,000 fine seems steep. The Gastelum-Cordeiro fine seems an after-the-fact issue since the commission could have stopped the assistance or appearance of assistance on the part of Cordeiro. Instead of re-weighing Gastelum without Cordeiro standing near him, the commission allowed it.
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