Danny Sabatello was forced to put his money where his mouth is – sort of speak.
Sabatello received a $5,000 punishment from the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation for using harsh language during the competition last Friday. The amount was deducted from his stated salary for his bout with Leandro Higo.
Sabatello defeated Higo by unanimous decision at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in the Showtime-televised co-main event.
Rule 21 of the MMA Unified Rules, which forbids “usage of harsh language in the combat arena,” was mentioned by MTDAR President Mike Mazzulli. Mike Mazzulli said that Sabatello might challenge the ruling.
In his post-fight interview, Sabatello said he had been advised not to swear. But after that, he cursed into the microphone and flip-flopped with Raufeon Stots, the interim bantamweight champion.
Sabatello said, “I was told if I swore in my post-fight interview, I might get fined. So it’s a good thing I don’t give a f***!”
“I just beat an absolute animal, and not one of you is going to do s***! You want to do something? Come in here right now and do something.”
In addition, Stots used an F-word to denounce the wrestling-heavy battle. However, he was not fined.
At the weigh-ins for the contest, Mazzulli said he cautioned Sabatello and other competitors to conduct themselves politely both inside and outside the cage.
Mazzulli said, “I said just be respectful of the sport, that’s all I ask, and don’t push.” “You heard him standing there saying, ‘I’m going to get fined, but I don’t care.’ So he got fined.”
The use of abusive language in the combat area is forbidden, according to the abusive language rule’s entire text. During MMA matches, foul language is not permitted.
“It is the sole responsibility of the referee to determine when language crosses over the line to abusive. It should be clear that fighters can talk during a match. The mere use of auditory language is not a violation of this rule. Examples of abusive language would be (racially motivated or derogatory language).”
Sabatello was informed of the punishment while making an appearance on The MMA Hour on Monday. He didn’t seem startled and made fun of the decision.
“Yeah, that’s f****** bulls***,” he said.
“That’s such f****** bulls***. But you know what, I don’t care. If I fight there again, I’m telling you right now, I’m going to do the same s***. You can keep f****** fining me.”
“Nothing is going to deter me from being myself, and also, it wouldn’t do justice to the fans. I want the fans to understand exactly who they’re dealing with. That’s who I am. That’s my personality. Fine me. I don’t give a f***. It’s just money.”
With his victory against Higo, Sabatello qualified for the Bellator bantamweight championship semifinals. He will next compete against interim champion Stots for the title and $1 million prize money up for grabs.