Pimblett scored a first-round submission win over Benoit St. Denis at UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in July. “The Baddy” hasn’t yet received his purse for the fight due to a highly criticized rule. Pimblett’s purse is being withheld because he celebrated his win by jumping on the cage. Max Holloway and Gable Steveson, who also celebrated their respective wins at UFC 329 by jumping on the cage, are also under investigation.
Paddy Pimblett's UFC 329 purse remains withheld over his post-fight cage celebration
Bisping believes this rule needs to change for good. The former UFC middleweight champion believes it is absolutely justified to climb on the cage after a win.
“It all goes back to when Paddy beat Benoit St. Denis. What did he do? He celebrated. He jumped on the cage as a lot of fighters do,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Max Holloway did it. Gable Steveson did it. And they’re also under investigation and could have their purses withheld or potentially are going to get fined thousands of dollars. This is utterly ridiculous. I hate this rule…”
The Englishman then discussed how he did the same after winning his title and that it’s hard to contain the excitement of a big win. “The Count” also believes it’s a way for the athletic commissions to earn some money on the side.
“I did it at UFC 199 in California, one of the strictest commissions in the world,” Bisping added. “A lot of fighters jump on top of the cage. You’ve just won in front of thousands of people and millions watching around the world. You’re allowed to celebrate winning. Boxers jump on the ropes all the time. But MMA fighters jump on the cage and suddenly they get fined or have their purses withheld. It’s nonsense. It’s a crime. It’s the athletic commissions trying to get a few bucks for themselves. This rule needs to be changed.”