Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t be the only one from the UFC 229 main event facing discipline from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
The NSAC will file formal complaints against both Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor for their actions following this past Saturday’s headliner at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. ESPN.com was first to report the news.
The NSAC is conducting a full investigation into the melee that occurred after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round of their lightweight championship bout. According to the ESPN report, that will include film review and interviews with those involved.
Nurmagomedov jumped over the Octagon to brawl with members of McGregor’s corner at the conclusion of the fight. Meanwhile, McGregor appeared to throw a punch at one of Nurmagomedov’s teammates who was climbing the cage.
Because Nurmagomedov’s $2 million purse was withheld, NSAC chairman Anthony Marnell said the commission will “move expeditiously to a complaint and hearing.”
“Temporary suspensions will be out shortly, and we’re shooting for a final hearing date in November,” he said.
Three people believed to be part of Nurmagomedov’s camp were arrested on Saturday, including one man in a red shirt who was caught on film throwing a punch at McGregor from behind. All were released when McGregor elected not to press charges.
“There are a lot of charges that can be brought against a spectator who came over the barricade, through the commission section and into the Octagon to strike a fighter three times,” Marnell told ESPN. “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.”
Marnell confirmed that Nurmagomedov is likely facing both a fine and suspension. UFC President Dana White said on Saturday that if the champion was suspended for a significant period of time there was a possibility he could be stripped of the belt.