The Nevada Athletic Commission will conduct an investigation into the alleged altercation that caused the UFC to cancel the UFC 279 press conference this past Thursday.
In a written public statement, the commission indicated that it had been in communications with UFC executives about the alleged altercation between Khamzat Chimaev, Kevin Holland and the Nate Diaz camp. The NAC stated that if any of those individuals that were licensed to fight for UFC 279 ‘acted improperly,’ disciplinary action may be appropriate.
The NAC went further by stating, “[A]lthough “trash talking” between competitive athletes is common, any escalation into physical altercations may discredit the sport of unarmed combat and is 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.”
Payout Perspective:
Based on the letter, it appears that the commission is specifically looking at the roles of Chimaev, Holland and Diaz and any other fighter that was licensed to fight at UFC 279 this past Saturday. It’s uncertain if it would take action against Darren Till if determined he was an instigator. Till is a UFC fighter that was not licensed to fight Saturday but was with Chimaev most of the week and on Thursday at the press conference. The big issue may be a fine although a suspension might hurt Holland or Chimaev. But, with Diaz leaving the UFC, he would have no issues unless he sought a boxing license in the state. Of course, there would have to be some determination about that at a hearing. Long story, short. Do not expect any punishment.
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