UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was issued a nine month suspension and a $500,000 fine from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for his role in the UFC 229 post-fight brawl.
The lightweight champ can get the suspension reduced if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign, but Nurmagomedov would prefer the NSAC work on themselves instead of punishing others.
“[The NSAC] said to take part in a social campaign… the state of Nevada is a place where they allow drugs, prostitution and gambling,” Nurmagomedov said to Nord Desant (via Sport Box). "Let them work on themselves [and their own behavior]. There were fighters who didn’t fight for two years and didn’t have their belts taken for a year and a half.”
Former two division UFC champion Conor McGregor, who was also involved in the brawl, was issued a six month suspension and a $50,000 fine by the NSAC.
Nurmagomedov would be willing to defend the lightweight gold right now, but blames the NSAC for not fighting at the moment.
“I’m ready to fight, they were the ones who banned me,” says Nurmagomedov.
Zubaira Tukhugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov were also issued one year suspensions for their roles in the post-fight brawl.
