NYSAC Denies Anthony Johnson’s Appeal, Now Considering Legal Options
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has denied Anthony Johnson’s appeal, stemming from the controversial weigh-in of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier prior to UFC 210.
A letter of the denial can be viewed by clicking here.
According to Johnson’s attorney in Craig Zimmerman, the reason the appeal was denied was due to the fact that Johnson did not protest during the weigh-ins themselves.
“Their position is that Anthony didn’t officially protest at the weigh-in, so he accepted it,” Zimmerman told MMA Junkie. “I think there’s no requirement that a fighter protest at a weigh-in. I just don’t think they want to rule on it.”
Due to the fact that Johnson did not get the desired result that he was looking, for, legal action may be taken by the fighter.
“I can tell you my client’s people are not happy,” Zimmerman said to MMA Fighting. “And they have asked me to look into litigation options. We’re not looking to overturn the decision. He lost. We agree — he lost. What we’re looking for is the right result and an acknowledgement of what really happened. We’re happy they changed the policy and procedures so it can’t happen again. But they can’t ignore it in this case.”
At UFC 210, the light heavyweight was submitted by Cormier in the second round of their main event encounter. Immediately after the fight, the defeated Johnson announced his retirement from the sport, but recently teased a comeback after watching the main event of UFC Fight Night 109.
If there is one positive that came from the whole situation, it is that the NYSAC changed their weigh-in procedures after the incident.
