Share

Nurmagomedov, McGregor suspensions extended

Los Angeles - Mixed martial arts stars Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor will remain suspended pending full investigation of the melee following UFC 229, Nevada combat sports regulators said on Wednesday.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously on the suspensions, with chairman Anthony Marnell ordering both fighters to be present at a December 10 hearing.

Russia's Nurmagomedov and Ireland's McGregor had already been suspended for 10 days - the maximum term fighters can be banned pending a hearing.

The sanctions stem from the extraordinary post-fight brawl that erupted after unbeaten Nurmagomedov choked out McGregor on October 6 in Las Vegas.

Nurmagomedov had barely released his hold after McGregor tapped out when the Russian launched himself over the Octagon fence, targeting a taunting member of McGregor's camp.

The five-member board also voted to release half of Nurmagomedov's $2 million purse, which had been withheld immediately after the fight.

Marnell said he believed that retaining $1 million would allow Nurmagomedov to meet his expenses but still be "enough money to keep this contestant's interest in this hearing".

Marnell also said that he would have withheld McGregor's $3 million purse if he had seen video that showed McGregor's role in fueling the brawl.

The first video to emerge appeared to show the Irish star being taken by surprise by three of Nurmagomedov's teammates coming after him inside the Octagon.

Once the probe is complete, the commission has the power to issue lifetime bans, although such a punishment is considered unlikely.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 911 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 441 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE