Benito Lopez picked up a decision win over Albert Morales on the main card of UFC Fight Night Fresno.
The fighter picked up a $1,000 fine for shoving Morales during the weigh-ins and now he plans on appealing the fine issued by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
“Honestly, it was probably my fault for pushing him,” Lopez said after the event. “But he did scream in my face, when we were face to face. It really pissed me off. We already had bad blood, so it is what it is. Yeah, it’s unfortunate. It sucks. On social media it kind of went a little viral, and all the MMA sites and all the fans have my back on it. And we’re going to try to appeal it and see what happens. I’m sorry, California State Athletic Commission for doing that. It won’t happen again.”
Lopez earned $20,000 for the event, which means the $1,000 fine would amount to just five percent of the fighters earnings.
Despite the physicality at the weigh-ins, a victorious Lopez has a lot of respect for his one time enemy.
“It’s like, how can you (share) blood sweat and tears with someone, and go to war, and still be mad?” Lopez said. “I felt his best, and he felt my best. Nothing but respect for him. He’s a true warrior. His nickname does him justice.”
If the fighter does follow through and file an appeal, it would be ruled on whenever the CSAC meets next.
