Despite no rules on the books, NYSAC claims instant replay is legal in New York

Chris Weidman's appeal with the NYSAC over his TKO loss at UFC 210 may not end up getting very far after the commission announced that instant replay is legal in the state, despite it's complete absence in all the rule books.

Weidman was subject to a controversial stoppage during his match with fellow middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi after ref Dan Miragliotta paused the action in their bout over illegal knees from Mousasi to the head of a grounded Weidman. At least that's what the ref initially thought had happened.

But after reviewing tape with other members of the NYSAC, he determined Weidman's hands left the canvas upon impact. Chris (who moments before told commission doctors he thought it was February) was ruled unable to continue, and with the knees now considered legal, that meant the win was handed to Mousasi. Weidman and his corner were not impressed with any of this, and plan on appealing the decision.

“I thought I was going to win because of the illegal knee," he said at the post event press conference. "Then they looked at a replay, they left the Octagon and looked at the replay and see the legal knee, but in the state of New York, you’re not allowed to look, there’s no replays. It’s a crappy situation.”

But according to the NYSAC, just because the rules don't mention instant replay, it doesn't mean they aren't allowed to use it. Here's the official statement the commission gave MMAFighting.com:

“Mr. Weidman was determined to be unable to continue the match due to legal blows received, resulting in a TKO. In New York State, it has been held that the Commission may review video evidence in order to meet its obligation to render correct determinations and act in the best interest of the sport,” read the New York State Athletic Commission’s statement on the matter.

“After the referee initially ruled the strikes from Mr. Mousasi illegal, he consulted with the alternate referee during the physician assessment of Mr. Weidman and determined that the knee strikes by Mousasi were not illegal. During the examination of Mr. Weidman by Commission medical staff, it was determined he was medically unfit to continue and the referee ruled a TKO victory in favor of Mr. Mousasi.”

In an email to MMAJunkie.com, they added “NYSAC will be reviewing the question of formalizing this authority as a written policy.”

Writing down the rules? What a crazy concept.

This means Chris Weidman isn't likely to get very far in his quest to have the loss overturned. For some fans and fellow middleweights like Michael Bisping, that's a good thing. In their mind, he was 'playing the game' even putting his hands to the canvas rather than defending Gegard's knees, and then played the game some more trying to milk a DQ win.

Chris may not even be able to seek revenge in the cage. UFC 210 was Gegard Mousasi's last fight on his UFC contract, and he's been outspoken about being paid what he deserves. Considering Dana White’s thoughts on the subject, there's a very good chance he'll become the latest fighter to jump ship for Bellator. And even if he does re-sign with the UFC, Dana White told multiple reporters in separate instances that he's not interested in setting up an instant rematch.

Sucks to be you right now, Chris Weidman.