Oklahoma AC head statement on Jucao $15,000 purse withholding

At BattleGrounds MMA: O.N.E. on Friday Roan “Jucao” Carneiro won three fights in one night, and in the cage was handed $50,000 in cash for his trouble. However, he was actually handed $35,000, because $15,000 was withheld by the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, as the fighter showed up late for a mandatory physical.

In the unregulated days of the sport, it was common for a fighter to no show completely. ACs can now fine and suspend in these case, and the problem has largely gone away. However, while fighters now nearly always show up, it is not always on time. High school kids working at McDonalds are expected to show up as scheduled; it is incumbent on professional fighters to do the same. When that does not happen, the consequences can be sobering.

Oklahoma AC Executive Director Joe Miller released a statement to mixedmartialarts.com.

At weigh in which occurred at 12:00 noon Thursday, October 2nd, I gave my rules meeting as I normally do. During the rules meeting I was very specific (four times) I told the fighters, coaches, seconds, etc. that they must report for their pre-bout physicals at 7:00 and gave the location, which was in the hotel that the fighters were staying. I also made comment that if they did not show up on time that I may cancel their bout, they may be suspended, or fined.

The Commission showed up at the physical room in the hotel at 6:30. The four docs showed up a little before 7:00. Carneiro was not present. He was called and texted with no reply. He finally replied to a text at about 7:15 and said he was on his way down. He was texted again about 10 -15 minutes later and did not reply. All of the fighters had completed their physicals and the docs were asking where is Carneiro. He finally showed up at 8:05.

The Commission withheld 30% of his purse pending a hearing, which is our standard procedure for fighters who show up late to a weigh-in, check-in, or physical exam. Carneiro will receive a certified letter from the Commission (Notice of Hearing) describing his violation and giving him the right to explain and appeal. Upon the conclusion of the hearing there will be a findings of fact and an order issued. That order will include any punishment that Carneiro will receive for rule violations. I cannot tell you at this time what that punishment will be.

The findings of the hearing will be reported here at mixedmartialarts.com. Hopefully the fine is far less than the full $15,000 withheld, and hopefully going forward fighters are mindful that there are consequences to being late without communication.