Following the embarrassing circus surrounding the aftermath of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s successful defense of the lightweight crown at UFC 229, both the champ and Conor McGregor could be facing serious sanctions by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
Originally, after a review of the footage, the Nevada State Athletic Commission opted to freeze Nurmagomdov’s $2 million payday, but didn’t feel the same was warranted for McGregor’s $3 million payout. Days later, the tune has changed for NSAC chairman Anthony Marnell, per ESPN.
A full investigation into the chaos that ensued after Nurmagomedov tapped out McGregor is underway and Marnell minced no words announcing the commission will file against both McGregor and Nurmagomedov, with a final hearing expected sometime in November.
Marnell also announced Nurmagomedov is facing “both” a fine and suspension.
“We could do one or the other, but at least in the chair’s mind, I think the commission will be entertaining a recommendation from the attorney general that will include both,” he said.
Nurmagomedov bested McGregor with a rear-naked choke, then continued to berate the former double champion as he was restrained by referee Herb Dean. Nurmagomedov eventually targeted McGregor’s camp before he jumped out of the Octagon to attack McGregor’s jiu-jitsu coach. As McGregor squared off with Nurmagomedov’s camp inside the Octagon, a man in a red sweatshirt hopped into the cage and attacked the former champion from behind, punching him in the head multiple times.
Three men were arrested and later released after McGregor opted not to press charges, but more could be coming in the aftermath of the altercation.
“There are a lot of things here,” Marnell said. “There are a lot of charges that can be brought against a spectator (in the red sweatshirt) who came over the barricade, through the commission section and into the Octagon to strike a fighter three times. For the record, I have a massive problem with that. That cannot happen. We’re taking a really hard look at that gentleman. We know exactly who he is and where he is. I have to let the attorney general determine — is that trespassing, disturbing the peace? That was a serious action and it deserves a serious consequence.”
As for the championship fight itself, White hasn’t yet acknowledged if or when McGregor will get an opportunity for retribution against Nurmagomedov.
