UFC Heavyweight Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson has been suspended from competing in MMA for nine months by the Brazilian Superior Court Justice of MMA for kicking veteran referee Big John McCarthy after his KO win over Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva.
The official reason for the suspension is assault & unethical behavior. Shortly after the controversial moment took place, Nelson commented:
“I didn’t want to hurt Bigfoot more than what I had to. I got taken from the moment. I apologized to Big John, but I wouldn’t take it back. It just hurt me that I’ve got to keep on hitting a guy that doesn’t need to be hit. The referee just did a late stoppage.”
UFC President Dana White didn’t take long to respond to Nelson as he made his way to the UFC Unfiltered podcast to voice his frustrations of the incident:
“You can’t apologize for that. You don’t ever, ever put your fucking hands on a referee or your feet for any reason what-so-fucking-ever. You don’t do it. He needs to be buried.”
And buried he is. The suspension is retroactive to the date of the fight, which was September 29th & the fine levied was a hefty $24,000.
However, the Ultimate Fighter winner has an opportunity to cut down his fine & suspension, which could potentially see him back inside the octagon.
The UFC would have to allow Nelson to issue a formal apology to John McCarthy either insd ethe octagon or at a press conference with McCarthy in attendance. If Nelson does this, his fine would be reduced to $13,700 & would be eligible to return after March 29, serving only a six month suspension.
Thanks to MMAFighting.com for the information on this breaking news story.