Three UFC 329 heavyweights, including Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett, face disciplinary hearings for scaling the cage in celebration, sparking calls for rule changes.

  • Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson face NSAC disciplinary hearings.
  • The issue centers on athletes scaling the octagon cage to celebrate victories.
  • Managers are calling for the rules to be updated to reflect the modern era of combat sports.

The aftermath of UFC 329 is turning into a legal battleground for some of its biggest stars. Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson are all scheduled for disciplinary hearings before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). The core of the issue? Celebrating their victories by scaling the cage walls.

While the official agenda from the NSAC does not explicitly detail the misconduct, insiders have confirmed to MMA Junkie that the hearings are tied to celebratory leaps onto the octagon fence. Both Holloway and Pimblett were caught on camera exiting the cage after dominant first-round stoppages, while Steveson’s involvement may have been captured during broadcast replays.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident highlights a growing tension between traditional athletic commissions and the evolving, high-octane culture of modern MMA. As the sport attracts massive global audiences, the 'spectacle'—which includes exuberant celebrations—is what drives engagement, yet it often clashes with rigid, decades-old safety and conduct protocols.

'This rule needs to be changed. It’s 2026. Apply a little common sense,' stated Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan.

This is not an isolated incident of regulatory friction. In April 2024, Diego Lopes was fined $2,500 for similar behavior at UFC 300. Similarly, Mayra Bueno Silva faced a $2,500 fine for leaving the cage to interact with Dana White before the official decision. The pattern suggests the NSAC is strictly enforcing a specific standard of conduct within the octagon.

Historical Background

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has long maintained strict control over fighter conduct to ensure safety and professionalism. Scaling the cage is often viewed as a safety risk to the athlete and potentially damaging to the cage structure, which is a critical piece of equipment in every sanctioned bout.

Did You Know?: In professional fighting, the 'purse' refers to the total compensation a fighter receives, often split into 'show money' and 'win bonuses'.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are the fighters being penalized?
The fighters are accused of violating conduct rules by climbing the cage walls to celebrate their victories.

2. How much will the fines be?
While not yet decided, recent precedents suggest fines could be around $2,500.