NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett Announces Intention to Retire By End of 2021
Mike
Sloan/Sherdog.com
Bob Bennett will step down from his role as Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director at the end of 2021.
Bennett announced his plans during an NSAC meeting, which was held via conference call, on Wednesday. Bennett recommended chief assistant Jeff Mullen as his replacement, and that recommendation was unanimously approved by the rest of the commission.
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A former FBI agent and boxing judge, Bennett was named NSAC executive director in 2014. Bennett took over for Keith Kizer, who served in the same position from 2006 to 2014. Mullen was one of the finalists to replace Kizer during the selection process before Bennett won the position in a unanimous vote.
“I’d like to recommend chief assistant Jeff Mullen, who I believe is imminently qualified for this position,” Bennett said. “The reason for that is, of course, his No. 1 priority is the health and safety of the fighters. He has a wealth of experience in unarmed combat. Over the last 40 years, he has successfully regulated UFC and boxing events efficiently and effectively.
“He’s committed to our in-depth process of approving fights. He’s knowledgeable about all of our officials and positions. He makes judicious officiating assignments all in the best interest of the fighters. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of instant replay. His integrity and loyalty is second to none. And with that, I submit my recommendation for my replacement.”
Mullen’s experience includes serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Athletic Commission, an MMA judge and fight promoter. He also is an instructor at his own gym and is on the MMA Officials Development Committee of the Association of Boxing Commissions.
