World Series of Fighting 22 ended in controversy when their defending champ, Rousimar Palhares, submitted challenger Jake Shields via kimura, but refused to let go of the hold even after the fight was stopped. In his frustration with Palhares, Shield threw a punch after the fight was stopped not only because Palhares held on to his submission too long, but also due to Palhares illegally gouging Shields’ eyes during the fight.
In response, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has decided to suspend Palhares for two years and fine him $40,000 during a disciplinary hearing today in Las Vegas.
Palhares, who appeared via Skype during the hearing, claimed he didn’t see referee Steve Mazagatti and did not know who was hitting his back as the fight was ending. Palhares also ludicrously added that he thought Shields was kneeing him in the back instead of tapping out.
The WSOF had already punished Palhares for the incident. Just three days after the event, WSOF President, Ray Sefo, made the decision to strip Palhares of the Welterweight title and suspend him indefinitely.
This is also not the first time that Palhares has been guilty of dirty tactics. In March 2010, Palhares was suspended by the UFC for 90 days following a submission win over Tomasz Drwal for failing to let go of a heel hook after the fight was stopped. Astonishingly, Palhares committed the same foul three years later in a bout against Mike Pierce. Again Palhares refused to let go of a heel hook on Pierce after the fight had been stopped. What makes this worse is that Palhares was returning to the UFC following a nine month suspension for elevated testosterone levels in his previous fight with Hector Lombard. Following his win over Pierce, the UFC had seen enough and released him from the organization.
Many fighters have also seen enough of Palhares’ behavior and have called for a lifetime ban against him.
Main Photo via Getty Images
