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Hearing scheduled for Jones-Cormier brawl

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and challenger Daniel Cormier brawled at a promotional event © Getty Images

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The Nevada State Athletic Commission will hold a disciplinary hearing on September 23 to address a now infamous incident between UFC light heavyweights Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier on August 4 in Las Vegas.

NSAC chairman Francisco Aguilar confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday the commission had notified both fighters of the hearing via certified mail. During an appearance on US network Fox Sports, where he serves as a part-time analyst, Cormier said he would attend the Las Vegas hearing.

Aguilar declined to specify any potential action the NSAC might take, but confirmed its status as a disciplinary hearing, as opposed to a preliminary fact-gathering process.

The incident took place during a UFC news conference inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The conference was scheduled to promote a light heavyweight title bout between Jones, the defending champion, and Cormier.

The two clashed heads during a staredown photo opportunity, after which Cormier shoved Jones back several steps. Jones then dropped a UFC belt he was holding and went after Cormier with punches. They were eventually separated off-stage.

At the time of the news conference, Jones was scheduled to defend the belt against Cormier at UFC 178 on September 27. Days later, Jones suffered a leg injury while he was training in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and withdrew from the contest. The fight has since been rescheduled and will headline UFC 182 on January 3 in Las Vegas.

The Nevada commission has dealt with similar instances in professional boxing but not recently. No member of the NSAC was present during the incident, but members have reviewed film of the melee. Aguilar declined to share his thoughts on the tape.

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com

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