Josh Neer Under Investigation by Iowa Commission After Gym Fight Video Goes Viral

Josh Neer is reportedly under investigation by the Iowa Athletic Commission (IAC) after a video was posted online showing the UFC and Bellator veteran allegedly beating up another man in a gym fight.

The brief video -- which has since been removed from YouTube by its original poster -- depicts a man using elbow strikes to knock out another identified by the fighter as Patrick Martin. Neer continues to elbow Martin in the face until onlookers in the unidentified gym walk into frame to intervene.

Neer, 31, issued a statement to BloodyElbow.com on Monday calling Martin a “bully” and a “dumbass” who had repeatedly challenged the 51-bout veteran to fight.

According to a Tuesday report from TMZ.com, members of the IAC have viewed the footage and are looking into what action the commission can or should take in the matter.

“We are aware of the situation. I have our legal team taking a thorough look at our rules,” said IAC Executive Director Joe Walsh. “We’re checking to see if we have anything on the books that covers this.”

Walsh noted that the IAC generally holds no regulatory authority over what happens in gyms, where such informal fights are not uncommon.

Neer’s last sanctioned bout was in October at Bellator 129, where he dropped a lopsided unanimous decision to Paul Bradley. He is reportedly not under contract with the organization.