UFC releases fighter Code of Conduct

The UFC has released a fighter Code of Conduct, following a series of incidents in which UFC fighters were sanctioned for innapropriate public staments. The most recent case was by former NFL player Matt “Meathead” Mitrione. who was so incensed at transgendered fighter Fallon Fox competing in the women’s division without informing her opponent that he called her a lying, sick, sociopathic, disgusting freak,” among other virulent terms.

 The Code opens with a sweeping statement:

Fighters shall conduct themselves in accordance with commonly accepted standards of decency, social convention, and morals, and fighters will not commit any act or become involved in any situation or occurrence or make any statement which will reflect negatively upon or bring disrepute, contempt, scandal, ridicule or disdain to the fighter or the UFC.

Later language makes specific reference to stadards that Mitione apparently violated

Derogatory or offensive conduct, including without limitation insulting language, symbols, or actions about a person’s ethnic background, heritage, color, race, national origin, age, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

Inappropriate physical, verbal and online behavior (such as inappropriate statements made via email, text messaging or social networks)

Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the organization or promotion of a UFC event, including without limitation, failure to deliver, engage in or otherwise execute any and all promotional responsibilities, or failure to return in a timely manner the accurate and complete documents, or information for immigration, licensing, medical, tax or athletic commission purposes.

Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the UFC.

The entire text can be read below.