Bisping and Cormier Unite Against Commission's Rule
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has voiced strong criticism of the Nevada State Athletic Commission's decision to withhold Paddy Pimblett's purse. The controversy stems from Pimblett's celebration after his UFC 329 victory over Benoit Saint Denis, where he jumped over the cage. Bisping argued that such celebrations are common and should not be penalized, noting that he himself jumped over the cage at UFC 199 in California.[S1]
Bisping emphasized that fighters often jump on top of the cage after wins, and boxers routinely jump on the ropes. He accused the commission of trying to profit from fighters and called for an immediate rule change. Daniel Cormier, former double champion, echoed these sentiments, calling the rule 'absurd' and pointing out that fighters cannot help their spontaneous celebrations.[S1]
Pimblett's Purse Withheld and Next Fight Rumored
Pimblett's earnings from UFC 329 are being held back by the Nevada State Athletic Commission because he climbed over the cage during his victory celebration. He will appear at a disciplinary hearing along with Max Holloway and Gable Steveson, who also competed at UFC 329. The commission's regulation forbids fighters from scaling the cage after a bout, a rule that has been heavily criticized.[S2]
In a video on his YouTube channel, Bisping inadvertently revealed a potential next fight for Pimblett: a BMF title clash against Charles Oliveira at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden. Bisping mentioned this matchup before discussing the purse issue. Oliveira, who won the BMF belt from Max Holloway in March, was previously rumored to face Arman Tsarukyan, but those plans fell through.[S2]
