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LAS VEGAS – UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor have been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their roles in the infamous UFC 229 brawl.
Nurmagomedov received nine months, while McGregor received six months. The suspensions are retroactive to the Oct. 6 fight card, which took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, meaning Nurmagomedov is able to return to the cage as soon as July 6 and McGregor on April 6.
In addition, Nurmagomedov has been ordered to pay a fine of $500,000, while McGregor must pay $50,000. Nurmagomedov’s fine will be withdrawn from the $1 million of his purse still being withheld.
NSAC officials on Tuesday handed down the orders as part of proposed settlement agreements prepared in advance. Nurmagomedov’s passed unanimously; McGregor’s passed with a 4-1 vote. Neither Nurmagomedov nor McGregor were present for the hearing.
Nurmagomedov sent out a two-word tweet in response to his punishment shortly after it was announced.
Nurmagomedov’s settlement agreement includes a potential suspension reduction of up to three months if he delivers to the commission a public service announcement on anti-bullying. To receive the reduction, the commission must approve the PSA and its distribution plan. Additionally, Nurmagomedov can only receive credit based on the time he submits the PSA, so if he waits until the eighth month of his suspension to turn it in, he will only receive one month credit.
NSAC chairman Anthony Marnell said based on the commission’s expected timeline for a hearing on approval, Nurmagomedov needs to submit the PSA within the next month in order to receive the full three-month reduction.
“Better turn the camera on and start messaging this tomorrow, or you’re not going to make it,” he said.
Nurmagomedov, a practicing Muslim, also will take a self-imposed hiatus from competition shortly after his suspension ends to honor Ramadan, which runs from May 5 to June 4 this year. Without a reduction in his suspension, his potential return could be on hold until the fall.
Ridiculous fine for Khabib for the offense and his lack of record.
They lack set standards and consistency
The good news is it's finally been decided so they can move forward