Roy Nelson Fined And Suspended For Kicking John McCarthy

MMA Fighting reports that Roy Nelson has been suspended for nine months by the Brazilian Superior Justice Court of MMA (STJDMMA) for assault and unethical behavior after UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia. The suspension is retroactive to September 29. He will also be fined $24,000.

Nelson knocked out Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva at the event on September 24. After the fight was over, he kicked referee John McCarthy. The kick happened because Nelson it took too long to stop the fight, resulting in Silva getting hurt more. At the post-fight press conference, he apologized but said he “wouldn’t take it back.”

He added: “It just hurt me that I’ve got to keep on hitting a guy that doesn’t need to be hit.”

Nelson said in his defense that he was afraid because of “pre-fight situations” like the behavior of the MMA fans. He also mentioned his relationship with McCarthy and mentioned that he never intended to hurt him. They accepted his explanation but added that “the athlete has an obligation to respect the honor, preserve the health, and physical and moral integrity of the referee.” They said nothing justified what Nelson did.

The maximum punishment was a 25-month suspension and a $40,000 fine. A one-year suspension and $33,000 fine was also considered. STJDMMA president Marcelo Sedlmayer Jorge settled on the nine-month suspension instead, citing Nelson’s history and defense.

It’s possible that he could return before June 29. If the UFC lets him apologize to McCarthy in the Octagon or during a press conference, his sentence will be reduced to six months and a $13,700 fine. It has to happen before December 31. If it happens, he’ll be able to compete again after March 29.