Ryan Benoit Won’t Be Punished For Late Kick Of Sergio Pettis

Blasting Sergio Pettis with a massive second round left hook, flyweight Ryan Benoit scored an emphatic come-from-behind victory over at last weekend’s (Sat., March 14, 2015) UFC 185 from Dallas, Texas.

But “The Lonestar State” native unfortunately marred his victory by kicking Pettis in the behind after the bell, drawing the ire of Joe Rogan and the fans at the American Airlines Center. Check out the video from MMA Core.

Benoit immediately apologized for his actions, which he claimed were the byproduct of built-up aggression from not having fought for 16 months.

“I lost a bit of control,” Benoit said. “That was pretty uncalled for. It makes me look bad. … I was surprised how long the ref kept the fight going. I hit him with some hard shots when he was turtled and I was like, ‘Where’s the ref?’”

At the event’s post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White accepted Benoit’s apology and chalked it up to emotions:

“The kid was fired up,” White said. “He immediately apologized after. When someone apologizes and realize what they did, it’s all good.”

And apparently, Benoit won’t be punished for his in-the-moments actions. A report from Dallas News unveiled that Susan Stanford, the Public Information Officer for Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), confirmed Benoit will not have complaint raised against him by the Pettis camp in an e-mail.

“Mr. Benoit apologized to Sergio Pettis and his camp for his kick to the backside of Pettis while caught up in the excitement of the moment.

The Pettis camp did not wish to file a complaint with the Department against Mr. Benoit.

Greg Alvarez, TDLR’s Combative Sports Manager spoke sternly with Mr. Benoit, stressing this type of behavior is not acceptable nor that of a professional fighter.

No further action will be taken against Benoit as the situation was addressed ringside.”

Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports