Mike
Sloan/Sherdog.com
Bob Bennett will step down from his role as Nevada State Athletic
Commission executive director at the end of 2021.
Bennett announced his plans during an NSAC meeting, which was held
via conference call, on Wednesday. Bennett recommended chief
assistant Jeff Mullen as his replacement, and that recommendation
was unanimously approved by the rest of the commission.
“I never said it would be easy,” Bennett said. “I only said it
would be worth it. That captures my last seven-and-a-half years.
It’s been a team effort. I’d like to thank the fighters, because
without them, we wouldn’t be here. It’s been a privilege to serve
in this capacity.”
A former FBI agent and boxing judge, Bennett was named NSAC
executive director in 2014. Bennett took over for Keith Kizer, who
served in the same position from 2006 to 2014. Mullen was one of
the finalists to replace Kizer during the selection process before
Bennett won the position in a unanimous vote.
“I’d like to recommend chief assistant Jeff Mullen, who I believe
is imminently qualified for this position,” Bennett said. “The
reason for that is, of course, his No. 1 priority is the health and
safety of the fighters. He has a wealth of experience in unarmed
combat. Over the last 40 years, he has successfully regulated UFC
and boxing events efficiently and effectively.
“He’s committed to our in-depth process of approving fights. He’s
knowledgeable about all of our officials and positions. He makes
judicious officiating assignments all in the best interest of the
fighters. He was instrumental in the development and implementation
of instant replay. His integrity and loyalty is second to none. And
with that, I submit my recommendation for my replacement.”
Mullen’s experience includes serving as the executive director of
the Tennessee Athletic Commission, an MMA judge and fight promoter.
He also is an instructor at his own gym and is on the MMA Officials
Development Committee of the Association of Boxing Commissions.