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The UFC 229 post-fight melee that unraveled on October 6 after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round of their lightweight championship fight has been viewed as a black eye for the sport, especially as UFC 229 ended up being the highest-selling pay-per-view in company history.
For those who need a reminder, after the victory, Nurmagomedov jumped out of the Octagon and into McGregor’s corner to confront McGregor’s teammate, Dillon Danis. McGregor then began trading punches with Nurmagomedov’s cousin, PFL lightweight Abubakar Nurmagomedov, and teammate Zubaira Tukhugov, who both had entered the cage.
Here comes Khabib! pic.twitter.com/4rR8YF52HN
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) October 7, 2018
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended Nurmagomedov (27-0) for nine months and fined him $500,000 of his $2 million purse. The suspension is dated retroactively to October 6, which means he is eligible to return to the sport on July 6. Khabib could return even sooner, ESPN reports, if he participates in a local anti-bullying campaign. If he cooperates in the campaign, his suspension will be shortened to just six months, making him eligible to compete April 6.
Conor McGregor received a six-month suspension and was fined $50,000. He will be eligible to return to competition as soon as April 6.
Khabib’s reaction to the ruling: Not positive.
politics forever
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 29, 2019
Ali Abdelaziz, Nurmagomedov’s manager, was a bit more brash when speaking about the fines.
“I don’t think it’s fair. Khabib gets $500K and Conor gets $50K? I think it’s bullshit.”
The Nevada State Athletic Commission also hit Nurmagomedov’s cousin, PFL lightweight Abubakar Nurmagomedov, and teammate Zubaira Tukhugov with penalties. ESPN reports that each received a one-year suspension and $25,000 fine. Abdelaziz claims Nurmagomedov will pay approximately $750,000 to cover the fines for himself, his two teammates and lawyers’ fees.
McGregor’s teammate, Dillon Danis, is also facing suspension although his case will be resolved later.
[h/t ESPN]