Nevada Athletic Commission Chief Bob Bennett Plans To Step Down, Nominates Mullen To Run State Athletic Commission
By Cassandra Cousineau of LVSportsBiz.com
Bob Bennett will step down from his post as Nevada Athletic Commission executive director at the end of 2021 after starting the job in 2014.
A former FBI agent and a former boxing judge, Bennett announced his plans during a monthly NAC meeting conference call Wednesday.
“I never said it would be easy,” Bennett said. “I just said it would be worth it. This reflects my last seven and a half years. It was a team effort. I would like to thank the fighters, because without them, we would not be here. It was a privilege to serve in that capacity. “
Bennett nominated Chief Assistant Jeff Mullen as his replacement. The recommendation was approved unanimously by the rest of the committee. Mullen will provide the athletic commission with more than 40 years of experience. He was the former executive director of the Tennessee Athletic Commission and an MMA judge for UFC.
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He know the fight game. Besides working as a fight promoter, Mullen was also a martial arts instructor at his own gym.
“He’s committed to our in-depth process of approving fights. He’s knowledgeable about all of our officials and positions. He makes judicious officiating assignments all in the best interest of the fighters. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of instant replay. His integrity and loyalty is second to none. And with that, I submit my recommendation for my replacement.”
Jim Murren, the former MGM Resorts International CEO who worked on COVID-19 pandemic issues for Gov. Steve Sisolak, will be the newest appointed member of the state athletic commission. Murren was the force behind MGM Resorts International purchasing the former San Antonio Stars, the WNBA team that was moved to Las Vegas by MGM Resorts and rebranded into the Aces. Raiders owner Mark Davis bought the Aces from MGM Resorts this past year.
Sisolak will have the final say on whether Mullen replaces Bennett.
