Roy Nelson’s decision to make a public apology to referee John McCarthy paid off, as the Brazilian Superior Justice Court of MMA reduced his fine and suspension.
The STJDMMA had fined Nelson $24,000 and suspended him for nine months after he kicked McCarthy following a win over Antonio Silva earlier this year in Brazil.
Earlier this month, “Big Country” apologized following weigh-ins in Las Vegas for his actions. The STJDMMA reduced the penalty to six months and the fine to $13,700.
“First I’d like to apologize to the fans who make our sport,” Nelson told a group of reporters in Las Vegas last Friday (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “To the Brazilian commission, John McCarthy and the rest of the world, my team and especially my family for my actions in my last fight.
“My actions were out of character. I have nothing against anyone, including John McCarthy. I recognize what I did was a mistake and I was wrong. I can’t apologize enough to John McCarthy, to the commission, and to MMA fans around the world. I can’t wait to get back into the Octagon to entertain the fans.”
The suspension will end late in March.
