NMAC: Pearson-Sanchez Decision Upheld; High Suspended 1 Year, Fined

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The controversial decision in the lightweight bout between Diego Sanchez and Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night Albuquerque will stand.

New Mexico State Athletic Commission chairman Tom King confirmed the ruling following a special meeting on Wednesday evening, telling Sherdog.com that “our statutes and rules would not allow us to do anything else.” Pearson filed an appeal shortly after dropping a split verdict to Sanchez on June 7 in Albuquerque, N.M.

While the majority of MMA media saw the bout going Pearson’s way, two cageside judges -- Jeff Collins and Chris Tellez -- submitted scorecards in favor of Sanchez. Collins saw it 30-27, while Tellez had it 29-28, both for the New Mexico native.

Meanwhile, the NMAC suspended Jason High for one year and fined him 10 percent of his purse for shoving referee Kevin Mulhall following his loss to Rafael dos Anjos. According to salary figures released by the commission, High’s decision to take out his frustration on Mulhall should cost him $1,900. “HD” earned a total of $19,000 in defeat.

Of course High has already paid dearly for his actions, as he was released from the UFC last week.

UFC Fight Night Albuquerque took place at the Tingley Coliseum and marked the promotion’s first-ever trip to New Mexico. The evening’s main event saw Benson Henderson submit Rustam Khabilov with a fourth-round rear-naked choke.