NSAC issues temporary suspensions to Palhares, Shields, Magalhaes pending hearings

Rousimar Palhares and Jake Shields

The Nevada State Athletic Commission today issued temporary suspensions to WSOF welterweights Rousimar Palhares and Jake Shields, as well as UFC fighter Caio Magalhaes, pending formal hearings for unsportsmanlike conduct.

NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett earlier this month told MMAjunkie he would issue a temporary suspension against the fighters, and a meeting today in Las Vegas formalized the decision.

During today’s hearing, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Chris Eccles said he is in the process of drafting disciplinary complaints for Palhares and Shields for unsportsmanlike conduct. He plans to review their controversial bout for the commission when the matter is addressed in a hearing.

Palhares (18-6) held a kimura submission on Shields (31-8-1) well after Shields tapped and the referee intervened in the third round of their headliner at WSOF 22 earlier this month. Shields then punched Palhares after the bell and the two were separated.

Prior to the stoppage, Palhares was warned for illegal eye gouges by referee Steve Mazzagatti.

The following week, WSOF stripped Palhares of the WSOF welterweight belt and suspended him indefinitely. WSOF President Ray Sefo said an investigation by the NSAC would determine the promotion’s next course of action on Palhares – namely, for how long he is to stay suspended with the promotion.

Palhares denied wrongdoing in an interview with MMAFighting.com. However, his manager admitted the now ex-champ “zoned out” while holding the submission and bore some responsibility for the incident. However, he pointed to Shields’ post-fight behavior as part of the problem. He also said the WSOF had no legal right to suspend Palhares indefinitely and would fight the decision in court if it stood.

Magalhaes (9-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) was submitted by Josh Samman (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) with a first-round rear-naked choke at the TUF 21 Finale in July at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. After the loss, Magalhaes spat at Samman, as well as referee John McCarthy.

After the fight, UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler said the UFC did not condone Magalhaes’ behavior and would wait to get more facts before deciding on any internal disciplinary action.

For more on WSOF 22 and The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale, check out the MMA Events section of the site.

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