Khabib Nurmagomedov receives fine, suspension at NAC hearing

On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission met to determine the fates of Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones.

McGregor and Nurmagomedov were being disciplined for the brawl that occurred after their UFC 229 fight, which also involved McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, and Nurmagomedov’s teammates Zubaira Tukhugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov.

Jon Jones, meanwhile, was facing the music for the anomalies that turned up on several of his drug tests ahead of his UFC 232 title fight with Alexander Gustafsson. These test anomalies caused the UFC to move the entire UFC 232 fight card from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, as the Nevada Commission would not license Jones.

Khabib Nurmagomedov was the first fighter to learn his fate at this Tuesday hearing.

After some deliberation, it was agreed that Nurmagomedov will receive a $500,000 fine and a nine-month suspension. However, Nurmagomedov’s suspension will be reduced to a six-month term provided he partakes in an anti-bullying public service announcement, which would first have to be approved by the NAC.

With his defeat of Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov improved to a flawless 27-0 overall. Highlights of this incredible run include triumphs over McGregor, Al Iaquinta, Edson Barboza, Michael Johnson and Rafael dos Anjos.

Provided he completes the aforementioned anti-bullying PSA, Khabib Nurmagomedov will able to fight again in April (his suspension is retroactive to the date of his offense). When he returns, it’s more than likely that he battles long-time rival Tony Ferguson, though a rematch with Conor McGregor is also possible.

Shortly after Nurmagomedov received his punishment, his teammate Abubakar Nurmagomedov received a $25,000 fine and a one-year suspension. Zubaira Tukhugov received the same punishments.

Do you think these punishments are fair for Khabib Nurmagomedov and his cohorts?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 1/29/2019.