Kiely Fined, MVP Under Review for Conduct

Michael “Venom” Page may have gotten back in the win column by knocking out Richard Kiely at Bellator Dublin, but both are now facing sanctions for their actions during the fight.

Kiely flipped Page the middle finger during the fight, while Page mocked Kiely on more than one occasion. Page was deducted one point by referee Dan Miragliotta, but that would be rendered ineffective in the outcome once Page connected with a flying knee that finished Kiely.

Kiely has been fined $1,000 for flipping the bird, while Page is still under review for a possible fine, according to Michael Mazzulli, who serves as the regulator for Bellator events overseas.

Mazzulli, who is the president of the Association of Boxing Commissions, is the head of events for a de-facto commission for Bellator when they travel to areas where MMA is not sanctioned. Mazzulli enforces the Unified MMA Rules used by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, where he also serves as executive director.

Mazzulli cited the rules’ statements on unsportsmanlike conduct:

[Athletes are] expected to represent the sport in a positive light emphasizing sportsmanship and humility. Any athlete that disrespects the rules of the sport or attempts to inflict unnecessary harm on a competitor who has been either taken out of the competition by the referee or has tapped out of the competition shall be viewed as being unsportsmanlike.

Mazzulli further praised Miragliotta for his handling of both fighters during the bout.

Original Story: MMA Fighting