Jason High’s 1-Year Suspension for Shoving Ref Upheld by NMAC

Jason High’s suspension was upheld by the NMAC. | Taro Irei/Sherdog.com

NMAC Chairman Tom King confirmed the ruling with Sherdog.com on Wednesday. The decision was made during an executive session that was closed to the public on Tuesday.

High pushed referee Kevin Mulhall following a third-round technical knockout loss to Rafael dos Anjos on June 7 in Albuquerque, N.M. The incident occurred because High took issue with the timing of the stoppage. High was hurt by a left cross from his opponent, and a series of follow-up punches and hammerfists on the ground resulted in Mulhall halting the bout 3:36 into the final frame.

Before the NMAC was able to rule on a punishment for High, the fighter was released from the UFC. .

“What I did find out is that I guess that Jason High kid got up and pushed a referee. He's cut," White told UFC.com in June. "I'm going to cut him. I look at that the way (Paul) Daley put his hands on his opponent after a fight was over. You don't ever, ever f-----g touch a referee, ever. You're done here. He's been apologizing on Twitter, but he's done."

Shortly thereafter, the commission suspended High for one year and fined him 10 percent of his purse, which amounted to $1,900. Yesterday’s ruling did not sit well with High.

“After my appeal the New Mexico Athletic Commission has voted to uphold their absurd suspension,” he wrote on Twitter.

The Kansas City, Mo., native posted a 2-3 mark over the course of two separate stints with the Las Vegas-based promotion. High has also competed in the Strikeforce, Dream and Affliction organizations, among others.