Benito Lopez fined 10 percent for UFC-Fresno weigh-ins shove; CSAC to keep money

FRESNO, Calif. – Benito Lopez pushed his opponent during today’s UFC Fight Night 123 weigh-ins ceremony, and the California State Athletic Commission has pushed back.

UFC officials confirmed with MMAjunkie that Lopez has been fined 10 percent of his $10,000 show money for shoving Albert Morales during their face-off at Fresno Convention Center. Unlike when a fighter misses weight, Lopez’s deducted purse money won’t be paid to Morales and instead will go to the CSAC.

As the two fighters squared off for an intense staredown, Morales suddenly yelled “boo” in Lopez’s face. Lopez’s reaction was to give Morales a hard push; Morales didn’t retaliate.

Lopez, who is making his official UFC debut after an August win on Dana White’s Contender Series, will lose $1,000 as a result of his actions. He could earn an extra $10,000 with a win.

Lopez (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Morales (7-2-1 MMA, 1-2-1 UFC) is set to kick off the FS1-televised main card of UFC Fight Night 123, which takes place Saturday at Save Mart Center. Early prelims will streak on UFC Fight Pass.

For more on UFC Fight Night 123, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.