Patricio Freire Says Cage Jumping Fine Wasn’t About Safety

Patricio Freire spoke with MMAjunkie about being fined $2,500 by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations for jumping on the cage to celebrate his win at Bellator 178. Some highlights are below:

On MDTR chief Mike Mazzuli saying he had warned fighters of safety issues in jumping on the cage: “Mike Mazzulli approached my corner after my victory, laughing and saying that he just finished making some money. He seemed very condescending. He certainly didn’t come across as someone concerned that a fighter might get hurt, jumping on and off the fence. He wasn’t concerned about anyone’s safety. He was concerned about making money.”

On the entertainment value of such a celebration: “When a fighter climbs up, the promotion snaps photos which they share via social media. It’s also good television. It’s just a heartfelt celebration. I don’t know (the commissions’) reasons for fining us. Do they want the winning fighter to stand around in the cage, doing nothing? It’s something that the promotion encourages by recording it. Either the promotion needs to enter into an agreement with the commission, or they should stop encouraging ‘irregular’ actions by their fighters. It’s what they’re doing, as I see it. It’s a misunderstanding between both organizations. I don’t see the problem with climbing on the cage, as we’re already fighting inside the cage.”

On not planning to contest the fine: “The fine will have to stand. If I secure a lawyer to fight this, it’s going to be a hassle, and it may cost me more than the fine itself.”