Holloway Fined $2,500 For Jumping Cage At UFC 329

Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson each paid $2,500 fines for jumping out of the octagon after their wins at UFC 329 in July.

The Nevada Athletic Commission handed down the penalties Wednesday during its monthly meeting, deducting the amounts from purses that had been withheld since the event. MMA Fighting reports that commissioners made clear the rule against cage exits is not changing despite recent complaints from fighters.

Nevada Rule Stems From Khabib-McGregor Brawl

The regulation was implemented after Khabib Nurmagomedov vaulted the fence to attack Conor McGregor's team following their 2018 bout at UFC 229. That night ended with a brawl spilling into the crowd, forcing security and police to restore order after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round.

"A pretty rough night for all of us," commissioner Anthony Marnell said at Wednesday's hearing. "It just can't happen anymore."

Commission chairman Dallas Haun acknowledged the three UFC 329 fighters jumped out to celebrate, not brawl. "They're jumping the cage to shake Dana [White]'s hand and we appreciate the difference," he said, per MMA Fighting. "Someone in the crowd behind Dana screaming something could change that in an instant."

Haun added the commission is uncomfortable penalising celebratory exits but remains firm on enforcement. "For the safety of the crowd and having learned from UFC 229 in 2018, we feel very strongly about it," he said.

All three fighters paid the fines Wednesday. Their purses have been released with no additional sanctions.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson fined for jumping outside the octagon at UFC 329