MMA: McGregor, Nurmagomedov suspended for post-match brawl

Conor McGregor and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov were each fined and suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday for their roles in a post-match melee last October in Las Vegas.

Copies of the agreements showed the commission voted to hand Nurmagomedov a nine-month ban and $500,000 fine, while McGregor was given a six-month ban and $50,000 fine for a brawl that overshadowed Russian Nurmagomedov's successful title defense.

Both suspensions are retroactive to October 6, the date of their fight, and Nurmagomedov can have three months of his ban reduced if he delivers a public service anti-bullying message.

Nurmagomedov took to Twitter in response to his punishment saying only "politics forever" while McGregor's manager Audie Attar said in a statement: "We are grateful to the commission for their serious focus and the decision which will allow fans to see their favorite fighter return to the octagon."

Moments after McGregor submitted to a Nurmagomedov rear-naked choke, the Russian champion climbed the cage and launched himself at the men in his opponent's corner, setting off a prolonged brawl inside and outside the octagon.

Irishman McGregor then needed to be restrained from jumping out of the octagon himself and traded punches with some members of Nurmagomedov's camp.

The scuffles immediately dwarfed the title fight that was one of the most lucrative in UFC history. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Mayweather denies violation before Pacquiao bout

LAS VEGAS - The build-up to Saturday's welterweight fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Andre Berto has been rocked by suggestions of a doping violation four months ago, an allegation flatly denied by Mayweather on Thursday.

According to a report by SB Nation, Mayweather allegedly received an intravenous injection of saline and vitamins, that was banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, on the eve of his megabout with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.

However, Mayweather said in a statement that he "did not commit any violations" and he was fully supported by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) earlier on Thursday.

"As already confirmed by the USADA statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines," said Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao on a unanimous decision to improve his perfect record to 48-0.

"I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing.

"Let's not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before."

According to the SB Nation report, USADA collection agents visited Mayweather's house in Las Vegas the night before his May 2 fight to conduct an unannounced drug test and discovered that he had been given an IV for rehydration purposes.

LATE EXEMPTION FROM USADA

While the substances in the IV were not banned by WADA, the fact that they were given intravenously was not permitted, the report said, and Mayweather was only given a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) by USADA 19 days later.

"We believe it is important to immediately correct the record regarding the false suggestion that Floyd Mayweather violated the rules by receiving an IV infusion of saline and vitamins," USADA said in a statement on Thursday.

"As was already publicly reported in May of this year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), Mr. Mayweather applied for and was granted a TUE by USADA for an IV infusion of saline and vitamins that was administered prior to his May 2 fight.

"Mr. Mayweather's use of the IV was not prohibited under the NSAC rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today."

According to USADA, both the NSAC and Team Pacquiao were notified about the TUE after it was granted, "even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules".

For the NSAC, the main issue here is creating a closer working relationship with USADA.

"In the state of Nevada, we are the only entity that is allowed to approve therapeutic use exemptions for any and all combatants," NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told Reuters.

"It's incumbent upon USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission to work hand in glove in an effort to combat performance-enhancing drugs in boxing, mixed martial arts, etc.

"Once we can have a better understanding of what USADA's position is on TUEs and ours, this media controversy will end. It adds no negative narrative on Floyd whatsoever. He has set the standard for all fighters (in combatting doping)."

Mayweather will put his unbeaten record on the line when he defends his WBC and WBA welterweight titles against fellow American Berto in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday. (Editing by Andrew Both)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

MMA's Anderson Silva suspended for 1 year over drugs

Anderson Silva's fall from grace continues.

Once considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, "The Spider's" legacy has been tainted after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs before and after his January 31 fight against Nick Diaz.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission was unconvinced by Silva's defense that the positive test was caused by a tainted sexual performance supplement and handed him a one-year suspension.

The earliest he can return to the Octagon is February 2016.

His victory against Diaz has also been overturned into a no contest and he has been fined a total of $380,000. – ANC, Dateline Philippines, Aug. 14, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Kellerman defends Pacquiao on injury

 

Analyst blames NSAC instead

Remenber Max Kellerman, whose post fight interview with Manny Pacquiao incensed the boxer’s loyal fans?

The HBO color commentator had just defended the Filipino champion over Pacquiao's injury, which has been dubbed “shouldergate” by some sports journalists.

In his analysis on HBO Sports, Kellerman asserted that Pacquiao didn’t commit fraud when he chose to fight on despite having a torn rotator cuff three weeks before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Kellerman said that with the injury, the Filipino was faced with a dilemma.

“A dilemma is not a tough choice. A dilemma is choice between two bad options. What was Manny Pacquiao supposed to do, when three weeks before the fight, he was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff that needed surgery? Was he supposed to postpone the fight, taking twelve months off in the interim?” he said in the HBO video posted by Boxing Videos Only on Facebook.

“Does coming back after shoulder surgery and a seventeen month ring absence give him a better chance to beat the best pound for pound fighter in the world? The tickets had already been sold, the hotel rooms had been booked, the airfare, etc…the eyes of the boxing world waiting six years to see this fight.”

Kellerman said that instead of vilifying the boxer, he should get praise for fighting despite the odds.

“What did Manny Pacquiao do? He manned-up,” said the analyst.

If there’s anyone to blame for the superfight flopping out, it should be the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), Kellerman said, noting that the USADA has approved Pacquiao’s use of an anti-inflammatory drug, but the Commission has prevented this because of a “clerical error.”

“USADA says, ‘fine…a shot of Toradol is fine’. And then ultimately, at the eleventh hour, the Nevada State Athletic Commission says Pacquiao can’t get a shot of Toradol because of what is essentially a clerical error? Because some box wasn’t checked off and some form wasn’t filled out correctly?” said the analyst.

“If people are mad at anybody for Pacquiao not being at his best on May 2, be mad at the Nevada State Athletic Commission, in my view. Because just when the boxing world needed them to show sound judgment, they decided to stand on principle instead of cooperating with the spirit of the event.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao may be penalized by Nevada Commission

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao may be penalized by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for failing to disclose his shoulder injury ahead of his "Fight of the Century" against Floyd Mayweather Jr., the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Pacquiao suffered a shoulder injury in training camp with three weeks to go before fight night, but elected to push through with the bout. He was under the impression that he will be allowed to take an anti-inflammatory injection to numb the pain in his shoulder before the match started.

The NSAC barred him from taking the injection, however, and Pacquiao went on to fight Mayweather anyway. He said he aggravated the injury in the third round, and wound up losing a unanimous decision.

NSAC chairman Francisco Aguilar told AP that the state attorney general's office "will look at why Pacquiao checked 'no' a day before the fight on a commission questionnaire asking if he had a shoulder injury."

"We will gather all the facts and follow the circumstances. At some point, we will have some discussion. As a licensee of the commission, you want to make sure the fighters are giving you up-to-date information," he said.

The AP reported that Pacquiao may face a fine or suspension for failing to answer the question accurately. The form was filled out before weigh-in on Friday last week.

A copy of the form was posted on the True.Ink website and showed that it was signed by both Pacquiao and his adviser, Michael Koncz. (Look at the form here.)

In a statement released Tuesday, Pacquiao's team said they notified the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) – which was in charge of the drug testing protocol for the bout – of the shoulder injury that the boxer suffered, as well as the treatment that the doctors proposed for training and on the night of the fight itself.

"USADA spoke to Manny's doctors twice, investigated, and confirmed in writing that the proposed treatments, if used, were completely allowed," Team Pacquiao said. "The medication approved for the fight was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Toradol)."

Team Pacquiao said the "Pacman" continued training, and that his shoulder was already improving in camp. "Manny decided to proceed with the fight anticipating that he could receive his pre-fight treatment," which had been approved by USADA, the team said.

Team Pacquiao further said that in a pre-fight medical form, Pacquiao's advisors listed all the medication that the boxer used in camp, as well as the medication that he will use on fight night. But as Pacquiao's doctors began the treatment, the NSAC stopped it saying they were unaware of the boxer's injury.

Aguilar said after the fight that he was only made aware of Pacquiao's shoulder injury a couple of hours before the fight.

"This was disappointing to Team Pacquiao, since they had disclosed the injury and treatment to USADA, USADA approved the treatments, and Manny had listed the medication on his pre-fight medical form," Team Pacquiao said.

The team further said that USADA "provided a copy of its contract with the fighters to the Commission."

But USADA's Travis Tygart told AP that the agency was "only a third party to the fight, charged only with testing the fighters for banned substances in training and the night of the bout."

Tygart said they had no medical information or any copy of an MRI scan or other documents.

"It was not an anti-doping issue," Tygart told AP. "The real question is why his camp checked 'no' on the disclosure."

"Either they made a terrible mistake not to follow the rules, or they were trying not to give information to the other side. I'm not sure there's a middle ground," he added.

Meanwhile, NSAC executive director Bob Bennett said of the situation: "It's not just the fact that (Pacquiao) didn't fill out the question completely. It was that he wasn't honest and they didn't tell us a month ago when he had the shoulder injury."

"They're not obligated to, but two hours before the fight, they wanted a shot that's a pain-killer in essence. That put us in a very precarious position," he added.

Some have wondered why Pacquiao did not ask for a postponement of the bout. The boxer told reporters yesterday that it was considered by his team, but eventually decided not to as they did not want to disappoint fans who waited for over half a decade for the bout. Moreover, his shoulder got better in the weeks leading up to the fight.

"As Manny has said multiple times, he makes no excuses," Team Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao is now set to undergo surgery on his injured right shoulder, which has a "significant tear" on the rotator cuff, according to an ESPN report. He is expected to be out for at least six months.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao says Floyd knew about his injury

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. was aware that he had suffered an injury in his right shoulder, and that the American boxer repeatedly targeted it during their "Fight of the Century" in Las Vegas last Saturday.

Pacquiao suffered the injury three weeks before the fight but opted not to postpone the event, believing he would be allowed to take a shot that will numb the pain during the 12-round welterweight encounter.

Unfortunately for Pacquiao, the Nevada State Athletic Commission barred him from taking the anti-inflammatory shot, severely hampering his performance against Mayweather. He wound up losing a unanimous decision.

Pacquiao believes Mayweather knew about the injury, pointing out that the American repeatedly grabbed his right forearm during their fight.

"Alam niya, ito ang hinahawakan niya," Pacquiao told reporters Sunday in Las Vegas (Monday morning in Manila), while grabbing his right forearm.

"I'm sure alam niya. Nag-leak 'yun. Alam nila," he said.

"Nakita mo 'yung hinihila niya 'yung kamay ko? Kasi alam niya. 'Di ba, hinihila niya?" he also said.

In the post-fight press conference, Mayweather was unsympathetic when informed of Pacquiao's injury but gave no indication that he had any prior knowledge of it.

"I had injuries also going into this fight," the American boxer said. "Both of my arms are injured, both of my hands are injured, but like I said before, I will always find a way to win."

Mayweather also repeatedly tied up Pacquiao every time the Filipino boxer was able to tag him with a flurry of punches, something that irked many Filipino fans.

Pacquiao, for his part, just laughed it off.

"Mahal niya yata ako," he quipped, when asked about Mayweather's "hugs."

Mayweather also repeatedly raked his face with his glove, leading Pacquiao to say: "Buti na lang may gloves or puro gasgas ang mukha ko."

The "Pacman" said Mayweather should be given credit for his victory, but disagrees with the American boxer's assertion that he completely controlled the bout.

"Hindi niya na-control," Pacquiao said, shaking his head. "Hindi siya makagalaw kung kumpleto 'yung (kamay) ko."

As they were in the lead-up to the fight, Mayweather and Pacquiao were mostly cordial and respectful after the bout. They embraced at the start of the 12th round, and Mayweather went over to Pacquiao's corner to tell him that he was a tough competitor moments after the final bell.

Pacquiao even tried to invite Mayweather to a Bible study session the day after the fight, but said he couldn't reach his opponent.

"Kagabi nga, sinubukan ko tawagan ang phone niya kagabi. Imbitahin ko sana siya sa Bible study kanina," Pacquiao revealed. "Off 'yung phone niya."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao to Floyd: Shut up and sign

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is skeptic about Floyd Mayweather's decision to finally face him inside the ring.

Pacquiao said he will never believe Mayweather’s statement unless he sees a signed contract formalizing the controversial boxer’s intent to fight him.

“Gawin niya, hindi puro salita,” the fighting congressman said in Gerry Ramos’ report on Spin.ph.

“Pumirma siya.”

Mayweather earlier said in an interview with Showtime’s Steven Farhood that he’s ready to fight Pacquiao and even mentioned a May 2 fight date.

"We are ready. Let's make it happen. May 2. Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Let's do it," he said.

Mayweather even called Pacquiao ''desperate.''

“He's in a very, very tight situation. He's lost to [Juan Manuel] Marquez [in 2012], he's lost to [Timothy] Bradley [by controversial decision in 2012 but avenged it in April]. Pay-per-view numbers are extremely low. He's desperate. I wanted that fight a long time ago," said the controversial American boxer.

However, Pacquiao has reasons to doubt his rival.

During their first round of talks in 2009, the negotiations were turning out fine until Mayweather came up with a condition requiring Pacquiao to undergo random urine and blood testing even up to the weigh in. Pacquiao initially turned down the demand and this led to the breakdown of the negotiations.

A year later, the American rang up Pacquiao and wanted the Filipino to agree on getting a $40 million flat fee for the super bout. Knowing that the fight will generate a lot more, the Filipino asked for a 45-55 split which was turned down by Mayweather.

Even Pacquiao’s longtime publicist Fred Sternburg doubted Mayweather’s latest statements.



Sternburg was alluding to the American boxer’s appearance before the Nevada State Athletic Commission claiming that some of the scenes that were shot for a Mayweather vs Maidana documentary were faked.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sonnen fails another drug test

Retired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Chael Sonnen was revealed to have failed another drug test, weeks after he stepped away from the sport.

MMA Fighting reported that Sonnen, who fought in the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions, tested positive for four banned substances in a test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on June 5.

It was the second random drug test that Sonnen had failed.

In June 5, it was revealed that he had failed a drug test conducted May 24, and he later announced his retirement from the sport.

According to the MMA Fighting report, Sonnen tested positive for human growth hormone, recombinant human erythropoietin, anastrozole, and human chorionic gonadotropin.

"Yes, the Commissioner is aware of other prescribed medications I was taking and I will not challenge their allegations," Sonnen told MMA Fighting. "I will cooperate with the Commission and look forward to having a dialogue about how fighters who transition off TRT can avoid violating any rules."

The UFC said they have been "made aware" that Sonnen failed another drug test.

"Our stance on the subject remains the same. We support the commission and will continue to ensure that all UFC competitors compete free of performance-enhancing drugs and banned substances," the UFC said in a statement.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sonnen unfazed by TRT ban

MANILA, Philippines – Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Chael Sonnen said he will abide by the recent ruling of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) which voted unanimously to ban the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the state.

Sonnen is one of several MMA fighters who are known to use TRT in the past.

"The rules are the rules," he said in a Yahoo! Sports report. "Yesterday, it was legal; so quit complaining. Today, it’s illegal; so quit complaining. Testosterone is out."

The NSAC’s decision has forced Vitor Belfort, another TRT user, to withdraw from his middleweight title challenge against UFC champion Chris Weidman.

Belfort was supposed to fight Weidman on May 24 but due to time constraints relating to his testosterone therapy, he has decided to bail out from the fight.

"As other jurisdictions may follow suit, I am going to drop my TRT program and compete in MMA without it," Belfort said. "Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time."

Weidman will instead fight former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Belfort withdraws from UFC 173 after TRT ban

MANILA – Brazilian fighter Vitor Belfort has withdrawn from his supposed middleweight title clash against reigning champion Chris Weidman after the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) decided to abolish the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Belfort, who has admitted using the therapy due to reported low testosterone count, said he will discontinue undergoing TRT so he can secure a fight license in Nevada in the near future.

However, he decided to bow out of the title bout scheduled on May 24 due to time constraints.

"The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently altered its policy and no longer will permit testosterone use exemptions, and will not permit a TRT program. As other jurisdictions may follow suit, I am going to drop my TRT program and compete in MMA without it. Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time," Belfort said in his announcement published by MMA Fighting.

Stepping up for Belfort is former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who is coming of a 2-fight win streak in the middleweight division.

"I'm really excited for this opportunity to fight UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman," Machida said. "I'm going to train hard and be well prepared for this fight."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao set for April tune-up, then Marquez V in Sept

MANILA – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is already mapping out his ring return following his shocking loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

Pacquiao’s legal adviser Franklin Gacal told The Philippine Star’s Abac Cordero that the Filipino boxer wants to make his ring return in April.

But Gacal said they won't let Pacquiao go up against Marquez just yet.
 
“April is too early for that. We will get there. Manny needs to fight someone else to rebuild his confidence,” he said.



If the results are good, Gacal said they can arrange a fifth face-off between Pacquiao and Marquez in September.

“First, he wants to fight in April,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fred Sternburg, Top Rank’s publicist, clarified that Pacquiao’s mandatory suspension following his sixth-round knockout last December will only last for 90 days.

Earlier reports indicated that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) had meted Pacquiao a 120-day mandatory suspension as a result of the devastating knockout.

But Sternburg clarified that the suspension will run only up to March 9, 2013 or 90 days after the fight.

The no-contact order will be up to February 7, 2013 or 60 days after the fight.

“Hope this clears things up,” said Sternburg.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez insists he's steroid-free

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez maintained that he’s steroid-free and that he’s confident that his drug tests in Nevada will come out clean following his knockout win over Manny Pacquiao.

“I feel very happy with my training, I feel great about the tests,” Marquez told LA Times' Lance Pugmire.

“I won’t have a problem,” he declared.

Speculations came out that he might have used performance enhancing drugs (PED) as he has been working with former steroid peddler and now conditioning coach Angel “Memo” Heredia.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has collected pre-fight and post-fight urine samples from each fighter. NSAC executive director Keith Kizer said the test results will come out on December 17.

Although Marquez weighed in four pounds lighter than Pacquiao on the eve of the fight, the Mexican looked bulkier because of his muscle mass.

Marquez said he was offended by accusations of PED use, pointing out that he worked “hard for four months in Mexico."

"If I continue fighting, I’d like to do Olympic-style anti-doping tests with my opponent,” he said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Nevada judges to officiate Pacquiao-Marquez 4

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez’s wish to have non-Nevada judges officiate his fourth clash against Manny Pacquiao won’t be granted, according to Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer.

Kizer told Philboxing’s Ronnie Nathanielsz that any of the recognized world boxing organizations such as the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization can recommend officials for consideration.

However, Kizer said the final decision is up to the NSAC.

The NSAC official added that that promoters “may also suggest and object” but that “they cannot reject” any official appointed by the commission.

Marquez earlier said he doesn’t want the NSAC putting in three American judges to officiate his December fight against Pacquiao.

"I will request that the judges for this fight will be composed of one Mexican judge, one Filipino and one neutral judge [from outside of Nevada],” the Mexican boxer told Boxing Scene.

Marquez insisted he won his first three bouts against Pacquiao, claiming that the Nevada judges ruled the last to fights in favor of the Filipino champion.

“[If they don't honor my request], then I'm going to fight as I did in my three previous fights -- before judges appointed by Nevada. This time I hope that my victory is not taken away,” the Mexican said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com