Conor McGregor may want to tone down the trash talk at future events.
In an unexpected move, the Nevada State Athletic Commission is looking into clamping down on disrespectful language from fighters, with McGregor referenced during Tuesday’s hearing.
Prior to approving the motion to fine McGregor $50,000 and suspend him for six months for his part in the UFC 229 melee, the Irishman’s trash talk was discussed.
“I think it’s something we should look to in the future, and I think we should rein it in,” NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett said.
The subject arose when the commission’s chairman Anthony Marnell asked if McGregor’s pre-fight comments in the build-up to UFC 229 were being taken into account when considering his penalty.
With Conor McGregor as example, NSAC wants to suspend, fine fighters for pre-fight trash talk https://t.co/gf9P3NOLR1 pic.twitter.com/QWuybSjRP0
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 30, 2019
Marnell went on to voice his concern about the ever-worsening language from fighters aiming to hype up fights, saying: “I don’t agree with it, and I certainly don’t like it, the language that is used and is continuing to escalate year in and year out.”
Bennett echoed Marnell’s concern and suggested that the commission ought to take a more involved look at how licensed fighters conduct themselves in pre-fight press conferences.
“I think it’s gotten to the point with certain unarmed combatants to where it’s become totally unacceptable,” he said. “There’s not any other athletes, that I’m aware of, that have spoken in various press conferences the way Mr. McGregor has. I definitely think, unequivocally, that’s something we need to take a more active role in and take an active role in for their language.”
