The Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday voted to fine UFC bantamweight Pedro Munhoz $2,500 plus attorney’s fees for his post-fight celebration at UFC 235.
Munhoz’s total bill comes to $2,827.06 after $327.06 in fees. The fines need to be paid before his temporary suspension is lifted, an NAC representative told MMA Junkie following an initial report from MMA Fighting.
Munhoz, 32, was temporarily suspended after he hopped on the octagon fence while celebrating a first-round TKO of former champion Cody Garbrandt last month. The commission said it had warned Munhoz (18-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) beforehand not to vault the fence. The March 2 fight earned both fighters a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus.
NAC executive director Bob Bennett said the commission is cracking down on post-fight celebrations to ensure combatants don’t injure themselves. Bennett denies the action is based on an infamous melee at UFC 229 involving Conor McGregor and UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov.
According to MMA Fighting, commission members debated over whether Munhoz’s $2,500 fine was severe enough, but decided he wasn’t maliciously trying to harm anyone.
Munhoz’s win over Garbrandt improved his chances at a title shot. He’s next slated to face Aljamain Sterling (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) at UFC 238 on June 8 from United Center in Chicago.
For complete coverage of UFC 235, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
