Khabib Nurmagomedov will forfeit $500,000 and has agreed to a nine month suspension (possibly reduced to six) following his actions at October’s UFC 229.
Judgement day has arrived. On Tuesday, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov learned his fate for his childish antics following UFC 229 in October. The incident saw Nurmagomedov jump out of the octagon following his victory over Conor McGregor, and attack the Irish fighter’s corner. Nurmagomedov recently revealed that, despite earlier reports, he had not heard any specific comments from McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, and instead attacked Danis because he didn’t want to be seen as targeting McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh, who is older.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported late Monday that a settlement had been reached, which was presented to the NSAC on Tuesday morning. The punishment, in the end, included a hefty fine. Under terms of the settlement agreement between Khabib Nurmagomedov and the Nevada Athletic Commission, the UFC lightweight champion will accept a $500,000 fine for his actions. Additionally, a nine month suspension was agreed upon. However, that suspension can be reduced, by no more than three months, should Nurmagomedov appear in an anti-bullying PSA.
NSAC board member Anthony Marnell III pointed out that “The fine is heavy for misconduct, but the misconduct was heavy, unlike any I have ever seen here.” He did, however, add that “if a PSA is included and is of substantial value, we will reduce the time,” which has been the commission’s practice historically.
The motion for the settlement with Khabib was passed unanimously.
Khabib’s cousin Abubakar, meanwhile, picked up a $25,000 fine and a year-long suspension. He had jumped onto the octagon wall to exchange blows with McGregor after the fight. NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett called Abubakar Nurmagomedov’s agreement a “fair and equitable” punishment, noting that the behavior seen was not something the commission had generally seen in the past.
Zubaira Tukhugov, who notably bragged about attacking McGregor following the melee, also agreed to a 12 month suspension, and $25,000 fine as well.
