Paddy Pimblett could be handed a hefty fine after his post-fight antics at UFC 329 in Las Vegas last month. The Scouse fighter is one of three competitors set to face a disciplinary hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following their celebrations at the event.
Pimblett secured a return to winning ways by choking out Benoit Saint-Denis in under a minute on the undercard of the Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway bout. He was then seen jumping the cage to celebrate with his team before his hand was officially raised.
Three fighters summoned by NSAC
According to recent reports, Pimblett, along with Holloway and Gable Steveson, are all scheduled to appear before the NSAC on Wednesday. The hearing will determine whether a portion of their respective fight purses will be deducted after their celebrations drew the commission's attention.
Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan, has criticised the potential punishment during a chat with MMA Junkie. He said: "For the record, this rule needs to be changed. Yes, it’s the fight game, and systems need to be in play to make it all work, but this rule does nothing to support that. It’s 2026. Apply a little common sense."
Precedent for celebration fines
These hearings are not uncommon in the UFC. Two years ago, Diego Lopes had $5,000 of his disclosed $100,000 show money withheld for scaling the cage after his win at UFC 300. It was reported that the Brazilian was eventually fined $2,500. The same fine was handed to Mayra Bueno Silva months later after she left the cage to speak with UFC supremo Dana White following her fight with Macy Chiasson.
During a recent video on his official YouTube channel, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier tore into the rule and called for change. "We are in a sport that, at times, can be ridiculous," he said. "Three fighters from UFC 329 are having sanctioning hearings for celebrations. I've got to 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 kick each other in the nuts. You should not poke each other in the eyes, and you should not do certain things when you're fighting. But to tell a fighter to not celebrate with enthusiasm, it's absurd."
"Because now you're telling me that Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson are going to go in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission because of their celebrations. They jumped on top of the cage. Now, you are told you cannot jump on top of the cage when you celebrate. You are told not to jump over the cage and exit the octagon when you celebrate. You are told many, many things. ... You can't help it. You really cannot help it. I believe the Nevada State Athletic Commission and California, they set the standard for commissions around the world, but this rule right here is absolutely absurd."
The disciplinary hearing on Wednesday will decide whether any portion of the fighters' purses is deducted over their celebrations at UFC 329.
