Two UFC 300 athletes’ salaries have been delayed, according to NAC, and Dana White has offered to pay a fine for cage jumping. Why haven’t the disciplinary hearings of the two fighters not been conducted till now? Which cage jumping fine is White offering to pay? Continue reading to find out!
The Nevada Athletic Commission decided to keep five percent ($5,000) of Lopes’ ($100,000) purse for jumping over the cage in celebration of his victory and twenty percent ($31,600) of Tsarukyan’s payout ($158,000) for swiping at a spectator during his walkout during their monthly meeting on Tuesday. Since the event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 13, the commission has temporarily withheld the money.
Executive director Jeff Mullen also disclosed that Lopes’ fine—which arose after he leaped the cage after finishing Sodiq Yusuff—was promised by UFC CEO Dana White. On camera, it looked like Lopes asked White for permission before leaping.
Mullen recounted that after Lopes won, he observed Lopes gesturing towards Dana White, seemingly asking if he could approach. White responded affirmatively, indicating for him to come over. Mullen then mentioned that he promptly stood up and moved in that direction. According to Mullen, White stated, “I will pay his fine,” as Mullen attempted to guide Lopes back into the cage, with the assistance of their inspectors.
A supporter gave Tsarukyan the finger as he was leaving the arena following his split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan responded by throwing a punch into the throng, which was seen on television and by several mobile phone cameras.
Mullen stated on Tuesday that a question about filing charges was posed to the fan. The fan said no, acknowledged that he started the situation (something he later acknowledged in public), and conveyed his relief at not being kicked out.
Several commission members expressed their opinion that the episode was unique and had never happened before.
What is your opinion on the behavior of both these fighters and the pending disciplinary hearings on them? Do you feel the action taken against them is justified or not? Do let us know about your thoughts in the comment section!
