UPDATED NYSAC to Penalize Kelvin Gastelum After Leaning on Coach at Weigh-ins
NYSAC has released a statement regarding Kelvin Gastelum’s weigh-in this morning. The UFC 244 co-main is on and the weight will stand. But the commission is reviewing the matter and could take disciplinary action. Gastelum allegedly leaned on coach Rafael Cordeiro on the scale. pic.twitter.com/eFz5ehxFrY
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) November 1, 2019
Editor's note: The article has been updated at 4:15 p.m. ET on 11/1/19 to reflect additional information.
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On Friday, Gastelum hit the scales amidst concerns that he would miss weight, and instead came in at 184 pounds, or two pounds below the middleweight limit. While weighing in, multiple reports from various outlets came in speculating that Gastelum might have violated a rule by contacting his coach Rafael Cordeiro. Although the commission did not disqualify him from his bout, they will be seeking a punitive measure -- likely in the form of a fine -- as they have determined that Gastelum did indeed come into contact with his coach while weighing in.
One such
video provided an angle that potentially showed Gastelum
resting his elbow on Cordeiro. In accordance with
NYSAC policy, no athlete may be in physical contact with
another person during weigh-in procedures.
The statement from the commission reads as follows:
"The Commission has reviewed the footage available to it at this time of Mr. Gastelum's weigh-in. The official weight determination will not be disturbed, and Mr. Gastelum will not be disqualified from competing in UFC 244, as the possible contact indicated in the video cannot be said to have materially impacted Mr. Gastelum's weight to the extent that he would have exceeded the applicable weight limit allowable for competition in the match.
The Commission will continue to review the matter and disciplinary action will be pursued if clear evidence of contact with another person during the weigh-in process becomes evident, as any such contact is a violation of Commission policy."
Following that, NYSAC released an addendum:
"The Commission has reviewed the footage of Mr. Gastelum's weigh-in. The Commission has determined that Mr. Gastelum made contact with another person while on the scale, a violation of weigh-in policy. In light of this violation, the Commission will pursue disciplinary action."
Gastelum (15-4, 1 NC) will be welcoming Darren Till (17-2-1) to the middleweight division in the co-main event of UFC 244. Headlining the card will be a welterweight battle for the BMF title between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
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