The UFC has provided an official statement on the reinstatement of Matt Mitrione. It came a day after the UFC announced his return to the Octagon in July.
The UFC issued a statement indicating that Mitrione received a “significant monetary penalty.” Still, the timing of the fight announcement and communication concerning the lifting of the suspension seemed out of order and lessened the credibility of the UFC Code of Conduct.
MMA Fighting explained the reasons for the initial suspension:
Letting these comments go without any company reaction would not only give more ammunition to the company’s political enemies, but also undo work they had done with organizations who they were friendly with. Only a few hours after the show aired, the UFC issued a statement.
Here’s a portion of the UFC statement on Mittrione after lifting the suspension via (MMA Fighting):
“The organization finds Mr. Mitrione’s comments offensive and wholly unacceptable and–as a direct result of this significant breach of the UFC’s code of conduct–Mr. Mitrione’s UFC contract has been suspended and the incident is being investigated.”
Dana White also weighed in on the situation and explained the reason for the fine as opposed to suspending him. He also indicated that Mitrione apologized privately but did not make him make a do a public apology. However, Mitrione apologized and chose to issue a public statement (via Bloody Elbow).
Payout Perspective:
As MMA Fighting points out, it appears that the swift suspension was just to investigate what happened rather than it being punitive. Once the UFC determined what happened, a fine was levied and the suspension was lifted. The question is whether it could have just put Mitrione on leave and investigate the matter and then announce the suspension. The reason being is that a suspension and then touting the UFC Code of Conduct weakens the implied bite of a suspension under a Code of Conduct violation. Yes, Mitrione was disciplined and it appears that he was genuinely sorry for his comments but the timing and handling appears as mangled as Jon Jones’ toe.
What was the gain in announcing Mitrione’s fight prior to the announcement of the reasons for reinstatement? It could have announced the fine, and then do the announcement. It does sound nit-picking but it would be a reflection to the fighters how the UFC will handle such situations.
What a bunch of BS i have heard other fighters comment on Fallon the freak and they didnt get suspended. I agree with what Mitrione said. John Jones being Christian better do some research in the bible and know where that lifestyle sends u when u die. No homosexual will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Try 1st Corrinthians Chapter 9 Johnny Boy.
An undisclosed “fine” should be effectively meaningless to the general public. While the Code of Conduct provides extremely vague and brief language as to the UFC’s ability to levy “fines”, it does not identify the mechanism or process through which these fines are valued and extracted from the fighter. Given fighters’ status as independent contractors, I’d like to know what legal mechanism Zuffa would use to procure said fines, since the vague reference in the Code of Conduct does not seem to provide any legally binding details. Fighters are not employees per se.
Hey brad60, “no homosexual will inherit the kingdom of heaven”. What about pieces of sh*t lime you?
Hey kammmm or is it hammmm anyway I figure u must be a homosexual. Dont worry u still have time to change and yes i’m a piece of shit and the Lord still loves me and you. LMAO.
Comier vs. Matrione for a punishment. I am sure Comier will shut Matrione up!
brad60, I think you mean 1 Corinthians Chapter 6. I’m going to assume you mean verse 9, where Paul talks about who will not inherit the kingdom of heaven, and yes, he includes gays.
Funny, in verse 10, he includes revilers. Mitrione most definitely reviled, that is to say slandered, Fox, and I would guess you have too. Also, do you drink? That would be bad. Drunks are included in Paul’s list. So are the covetous, so you’d better not be checking out any of those ring girls.
It’s amazing what you can learn when you take the time to read the Bile and not simply quote what the angry man in the tv told you.
Hey looked it up u must be a homo too. Dont worry u still have time to change no homo’s or gays in the kingdom. LMAO.
Hey Kammm u still a Homo? Turn or Burn Queer. And same to Looked it up.