Ultimate Fighting Championship

Roy Nelson issues public apology after kicking referee John McCarthy

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:25 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

Roy Nelson has apologized for his actions in Brazil from September after he kicked referee John McCarthy following the conclusion of his bout against Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

It all happened after Nelson knocked out Silva but felt that McCarthy was slow to call an end to the fight following a few devastating punches on the ground. While McCarthy was leaned over Silva after the fight was over, Nelson push kicked the referee in anger over what he felt was a late stoppage.

The Brazilian Superior Justice Court of MMA were not happy with Nelson's actions and ultimately suspended him for nine months along with a $24,000 fine for the infraction. As part of the punishment, the Brazilian courts allowed for Nelson to publicly apologize to McCarthy at either some kind of press conference or at a UFC event and the suspension would be lessened to six months and the fine reduced to $13,700.

On Friday, Nelson made his public apology at "The Ultimate Fighter" 24 Finale weigh-ins.

"First, I’d like to apologize to the fans who make our sport,” Nelson said. "To the Brazilian commission, John McCarthy and the rest of the world, my team and especially my family for my actions in my last fight.

"My actions were out of character. I have nothing against anyone, including John McCarthy. I recognize what I did was a mistake and I was wrong. I can’t apologize enough to John McCarthy, to the commission, and to MMA fans around the world. I can’t wait to get back into the Octagon to entertain the fans."

The Brazilian commission hasn't yet made any kind of statement about Nelson's apology and whether or not that will satisfy their request to reduce his sentence.

Nelson hasn't fought since the knockout over Silva in September.

Get more from Ultimate Fighting Championship Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Ultimate Fighting Championship