Footage of the altercations that ensued
behind the scenes before the
#UFC279 press conference (via @UFC) pic.twitter.com/kTNF1XiyMK— ESPN MMA (@espnmma)
September 10, 2022
The
backstage scuffle that ultimately led to the cancellation of
the UFC 279 pre-fight press conference is now under investigation
by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
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The NSAC issued a statement on Monday indicating that disciplinary
action could be taken if it is determined that any “licensees acted
improperly.” Last Thurday’s presser was cut short by UFC president
Dana White, who revealed that it was an “absolute s—tshow”
backstage. The melee reportedly began with an altercation between
Khamzat
Chimaev and Kevin
Holland and escalated from there, with multiple groups taking
part. Including fighter entourages, White claimed that there were
up to 100 people involved in the incident. Former fighter Tiki Ghosn
played a significant role in breaking up the scuffle, according to
White.
After Chimaev missed weight on Friday, the UFC 279 card was
reshuffled, and the Allstars Training Center representative settled
his beef with Holland in a first-round submission victory in a
180-pound catchweight, co-main event bout.
The full statement from the NSAC is as follows:
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 8th. 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.
We expect professional fighters in Nevada to comport themselves as
professionals.