Rousimar Palhares reacts to two-year suspension: ‘I don’t agree with the punishment’

The Nevada Athletic Commission has suspended former World Series of Fighting welterweight champion Rousimar Palhares for two years due to unsportsmanlike conduct in his latest title defense against Jake Shields at WSOF 22.

"Toquinho", who was also fined $40,000, won’t be able to return to action before Aug. 1, 2017, and is unhappy with the punishment given by the commission, as he wrote in a statement issued to MMAFighting.com following the hearing:

"I appeared in front of the commission today to tell the truth and take the responsibilities for my acts. I thank the commission for opening an exception and allowing me the opportunity to participate on the hearing via Skype. I know all the complications that it has caused, but I once again thank them for understanding my current condition.

"Yet, I don’t agree with the punishment, both the suspension and the fine. Many untruths were said. They didn’t take in consideration the obvious mistake committed by referee Steve Mazzagatti, who was in an inadequate position at the moment of the submission. If the referee was in the correct position, maybe none of this would have happened.

"Unfortunately, I will have to obey this unfair decision, fulfilling my suspension and paying the fine. I’ll reflect about everything that happened and, together with my manager Alex Davis, I will make the best decision for the continuation of my career."