Morning Report: Michael Bisping calls it ‘a crime’ for NSAC to withhold UFC 329 fighter salaries for celebrations

Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson face hearings Wednesday before the Nevada State Athletic Commission over potential purse withholding stemming from their celebratory cage climbs following victories at UFC 329 on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

All three fighters jumped atop the cage in the moments after their wins—a common practice in MMA that has drawn regulatory scrutiny. The NSAC is investigating whether to fine the fighters or hold back portions of their fight purses as punishment for the infractions.

UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Michael Bisping has become a vocal critic of the commission's stance, calling the potential sanctions "a crime" and "utter, absolute dogshit" on his YouTube channel. Bisping drew from his own experience at UFC 199 in California, where he climbed the cage after scoring a stunning knockout over Luke Rockhold to claim the middleweight title. He argued that celebration is a natural and healthy response to victory, especially in front of tens of thousands of live spectators and millions watching worldwide.

Bisping highlighted the apparent double standard with boxing, where fighters routinely jump on the ropes in victory without facing fines or purse penalties. He called the rule "nonsense" and "silly" while expressing hope that the hearings will result in the fighters retaining their full purses and that the commission will reconsider the regulation altogether.

"Nobody gets hurt," Bisping said, urging the athletic commission to abandon the practice of punishing fighters for cage-climbing celebrations. The outcome of Wednesday's proceedings will determine whether Holloway, Pimblett, and Steveson avoid sanctions or face financial consequences for their post-fight moments.