Regulators extend Nurmagomedov, McGregor suspensions over brawl

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor will remain suspended at least until December because of a brawl inside and outside the octagon after their UFC match in Las Vegas, Nev., but the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday allowed some prize money to be released to Nurmagomedov.

Neither the Russian from Dagestan nor the Irishman attended a brief hearing in Las Vegas at which Nurmagomedov was called the catalyst for the Oct. 6 “chaos.”

Commission Chairman Anthony Marnell III said the suspensions will last until an investigation is complete.

Marnell said fines and punishment up to a lifetime ban could be considered, and said the fighters will be required to attend a Dec. 10 disciplinary hearing.

The hearing included references to commission discipline in the past — including a one-year suspension and $3 million fine imposed on boxer Mike Tyson for twice biting Evander Holyfield’s ears during a bout in June 1997.

The five-member panel voted unanimously to extend the 10-day suspensions imposed effective Oct. 15 by commission Executive Director Bob Bennett and the release of $1 million of the $2 million withheld from Nurmagomedov immediately after the Oct. 6 brawl at T-Mobile Arena.

Nurmagomedov climbed over the cage and scuffled with a fighter in McGregor’s corner after McGregor (21-4) tapped out during a chokehold by Nurmagomedov (27-0) in the fourth round of UFC 229.