Roy Nelson Gets Reduced Suspension, Fine from Brazilian Court

Roy Nelson’s public apology for kicking referee John McCarthy following UFC Fight Night 95 has resulted in a reduced fine and suspension from the Brazilian Superior Court Justice of MMA (STJDMMA).

The STJDMMA announced that Nelson’s suspension has been reduced from nine months to six months retroactive to Sept. 29. He will be eligible to compete again in Brazil on March 29. Additionally, the heavyweight’s fine of $24,000 was cut to $13,700.

“Big Country” apologized for his actions before assembled media in Las Vegas last week.

“First I’d like to apologize to the fans who make our sport. 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,” Nelson said.

“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 STJDMMA determined that Nelson’s statement was sufficient to result in a reduced sanction. “Big Country” defeated Antonio Silva via second-round KO after he caught and kick and floored his opponent with a counter uppercut in their Sept. 24 bout. Nelson was unhappy that McCarthy allowed him to land four to five follow-up punches to finish the contest and he kicked the veteran official in the rear as he tended to Silva. Nelson also gave McCarthy the middle finger.

Nelson won two of his three 2016 Octagon appearances, besting Silva and Jared Rosholt while falling to Derrick Lewis.