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Tennessee Athletic Commission overturns referees disqualification after video review
Summary
The Tennessee Athletic Commission voted unanimously March 9 to change a disqualification in a reviewed MMA bout to a no contest after reviewing video and statements; legal counsel will issue a letter of instruction to the ring official and no disciplinary penalty was recommended.
The Tennessee Athletic Commission voted March 9 to change the result of a professional mixed-martial-arts bout from a disqualification to a no contest after reviewing recorded video and statements from participants.
Roxanna Gamuccio, the commissions executive director, presided as Jesse Gentry, legal counsel, summarized the case (2025057081) and read a written statement from the ring official, who said the strike landed on a grounded opponent and that the red corners staffbehavior after the foul demonstrated a lack of remorse that led the referee to conclude the foul was intentional.
Coach Scott, who identified himself as the coach, manager and father of the red-corner fighter, told the commission he provided additional video and argued the contact appeared accidental. "I just feel that Jason doesn't deserve a loss off of this action," Scott said, asking the panel to consider a no contest instead of a disqualification.
Commission members debated whether to defer to the referees in-ring discretion or to change the result after reviewing replay. Commissioner Ben Grove moved to overturn the referee's decision and to direct counsel to draft a letter of instruction to the ring official explaining the commission's reasoning; Brian Quinley seconded. The motion carried by roll-call vote (Ben Grove: aye; Brian Quinley: aye; Corey Cipolla: aye).
Gentry told the commission he would close the underlying complaint against the ring official with a letter of instruction and recommended no formal disciplinary charges. "I wouldn't recommend from legal counsel to authorize any type of formal charges," he said; instead, he proposed a written instruction describing the commissions decision and rationale.
The commission's action changes the bout outcome to a no contest in the official record and directs staff to notify the involved parties and send the letter of instruction to the ring official. The commission then proceeded with other business and adjourned.
