NSAC head explains why UFC had to co-promote MayMac
“The UFC is a co-promoter, because they’ll be paying Conor. … Otherwise it would have been a conflict of interest — an opponent paying the other opponent.”
Two weeks ago the UFC was named a co-promoter of Saturday’s MayMac, but had negotiated on McGregor’s behalf in a seemingly managerial role. Promoters and manager play opposing roles and thus are prohibited from being fulfilling both roles in a fight.
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett appeared recently on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour and explained why the UFC had to licensed as a co-promoter.
NAC 467.112 states, A bout agreement which provides that an unarmed combatant is to pay for the services of his or her opponent is prohibited. As Floyd Mayweather is the promoter, he is prohibited from paying McGregor. McGregor also is listed on marketing materials as a co-promoter, which adds a degree of complexity.
Floyd can’t pay his opponent, said Bennett, as transcribed by Marc Raimondi for MMA Fighting. The UFC is a co-promoter, because they’ll be paying Conor. … Otherwise it would have been a conflict of interest — an opponent paying the other opponent.
They’re a promoter on record. Our promoters license doesn’t state whether you have to be a boxing promoter or an MMA promoter.
Bennett also said the amount of revenue that the fight was bringing the state did not bear on his decision to approve the bout.
