NSAC head: I didn’t win a popularity contest approving MayMac
NSAC head Bob Bennett: “I’m not going to win any popularity contests. But I try to do the right thing and hold myself accountable.”
When the idea of Conor McGregor boxing Floyd Mayweather was floated last year, UFC president Dana White was dubious. One of the first criticisms he voiced was whether the Nevada State Athletic Commission would even allow the match to take place. The match was finally approved by NSAC executive director Bob Bennett; it takes place on August 26.
In a recent interview with The Nevada Appeal, Bennett conceded he has received some criticism for it.
“I understand completely,” said Bennett. “[Boxing and MMA] are two completely different disciplines. But as a regulator this ended up on my desk and I had to find a way to approve or not approve it. In this day and age you have to change with the times.”
“This is a fight between two warriors. It’s an approvable boxing match. I see no reason not to approve it. McGregor has not one amateur fight [as a boxer]. I understand your position. But first off, McGregor is the taller, larger, longer, stronger, younger fighter.”
“No one is the same at 40 or 35. There are enough reasons that Conor is an approvable, worthy opponent. He’s primarily known in the MMA as a striker. He’s arguably the best MMA fighter out there.”
“I interviewed Virgil Hunter, who as you know is the trainer of Andre Ward. He used Nate Diaz 12 times for sparring Andre Ward. He said Nate was phenomenal. UFC 202 (McGregor and Diaz II) was pretty much a boxing match. Conor knocked him down in the first round and in the second, same thing.”
“[1956 Olympic gold medalist in boxing] Pete Radamacher fought Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight title in his pro debut. Is there a precedent for this fight? No. Is it an anomaly? Yes.
“I take full responsibility and accountability for it. We still look out for the health and safety of the fighter. It’s our priority.”
“I’m not going to win any popularity contests. But I try to do the right thing and hold myself accountable.”
Bennett did say that this is not the beginning of a new MMA vs. world championship boxer match-ups.
“It came out of left field,” he said. “It’s a bit of an anomaly. I don’t think all of a sudden it will be the norm.”
If McGregor wins, you can bet every top MMA fighter will want the money of a high-profile boxing match, and every high profile boxer will be glad to accommodate.
