Nelson formally apologizes for kicking referee McCarthy

Roy Nelson has issued an apology for getting physical with referee "Big" John McCarthy at UFC Fight Night 95 on Sept. 24.

After defeating Antonio Silva via knockout, Nelson kicked McCarthy in the rear end and flipped him the middle finger as a protest for McCarthy not stopping the fight sooner.

Nelson was fined and handed a nine-month suspension by the Brazilian Superior Justice Court of MMA for the incident, with the provision that his punishment would be lessened to six months if he formally apologized.

Nelson read a statement to reporters Friday in Las Vegas apologizing for his actions:

First I would like to apologize to the fans who make our sport. To the Brazilian commission, John McCarthy, and the rest of the world, my team, and especially my family, for my actions in my last fight.

My actions were out of character. I have nothing against anyone, including John McCarthy. I recognize what I did was a mistake and I was wrong. I can’t apologize enough to John McCarthy, to the commission, and to MMA fans around the world. I can’t wait to get back into the Octagon to entertain the fans.