Paddy Pimblett’s manager demands ‘common sense’ after commission withholds his UFC 329 purse

NSAC Withholds UFC 329 Purses, Sparking Debate Over Celebration Rules

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has withheld the fight purses of three UFC 329 winners — Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson — after they scaled the Octagon fence during post-fight celebrations, a move prohibited under commission rules. The action has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures in the MMA community, including former champions Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping, as well as Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan.

According to MMA Junkie's Nolan King, who first reported the story (as cited by multiple outlets), the commission scheduled disciplinary hearings for the three fighters on Wednesday, August 26, in Las Vegas. The hearings will determine whether the fighters will receive their full purses, although the commission has not yet announced what penalties, if any, they may face, as reported by Reuters.

The three fighters celebrated victories at the July 11 event, which headlined Conor McGregor's return at UFC's International Fight Week. Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds in the co-main event, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Max Holloway won the main event after McGregor suffered a knee injury, and Gable Steveson made his UFC debut by defeating Elisha Ellison.

Critics Voice Outrage Over Rule Enforcement

Daniel Cormier, a former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, called the rule "the most ridiculous rule in mixed martial arts" in a video on his YouTube channel. He argued that fighters should not be punished for celebrating enthusiastically. "We are in a sport that, at times, can be ridiculous," Cormier said. "You can't kick each other in the nuts. You should not poke each other in the eyes. But to tell a fighter not to celebrate with enthusiasm is absurd."

Cormier drew from his own experience, noting that he was never fined after scaling the cage at UFC 226, and he pointed out that such celebrations are a natural emotional release for fighters. He suggested that the celebrations did not interfere with medical personnel or create genuine safety hazards, as reported by Yardbarker.

Michael Bisping, a former UFC middleweight champion, also criticized the commission in a video on his own YouTube channel, calling the rule 'utterly ridiculous' and claiming that athletic commissions are 'trying to get a few bucks for themselves.' Bisping said he climbed the cage after winning the middleweight title at UFC 199 in California without penalty, and he pointed out that boxers routinely stand on ring ropes to salute the crowd. He said, "Boxers jump on the ropes all the time. But MMA fighters jump on he case and suddenly they get fined or have the purses withheld. It's nonsense."

Manager Demands Common Sense

Paddy Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan, who is also the CEO of Cage Warriors, expressed his frustration in a text message to MMA Junkie. "For the record, this rule needs to be changed," Boylan wrote. "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."

Historical Context

The commission's enforcement of the rule has been fairly specific. Previous instances have seen fighters fined $2,500 for similar actions, including Diego Lopes, who was docked $2,500 of his $100,000 show money after scaling the cage at UFC 200, and Mayra Bueno Silva, who was fined $2,500 for exiting the cage at UFC 303, as reported by Yardbarker. Khabib Nurmagomedov was fined $500,000 and suspended nine months for attacking Conor McGregor's team at UFC 229, though that incident was more serious than a post-fight celebration.

Cormier also noted that he was never fined after scaling the cage at UFC 526, and Bisping recalled doing the same at UFC 199 without consequence.

Schedule Hearings

The disciplinary hearings for Pimblett, Holloway, and Steveson are set for Wednesday, August 27 in Las Vegas. Whether the NSAC will impose fines or withhold their purses remains to be seen, but the backlash has prompted discussion about whether the rule should be reconsidered.