It's not uncommon for MMA fighters to moonlight. It's also not uncommon for them to come from law enforcement backgrounds. Forrest Griffin was once a cop. Kimbo's nemesis Sean Gannon still is. But it looks like it might not work out for Sean Pierson who made his UFC debut against Matt Riddle last Saturday at UFC 124 and just joined the Toronto Police Department. Not so fast son, from the Toronto Star:
The mixed martial arts champion was recently hired by the Toronto Police. But the force says Pierson, 34, must choose between becoming a cop and becoming a famous fighter.
"I've been told I have to pick a dream," he said. "I'm being asked do I want to fight or do I want to be a police officer?"
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After the fight, Pierson returned to Toronto, where he was supposed to pull his first shift as a police officer. But he had to hand in his uniform and stay away from work while the force investigates his situation.Police spokesman Tony Vella did not comment directly on Pierson's case but said every police officer who has paid "secondary employment" must first clear it with the force. Requests for secondary employment can be denied if it constitutes a conflict of interest, Vella said. He did not elaborate on what type of job would constitute a conflict.