Conor McGregor Suspended From Fighting in UFC After Nurmagomedov Fight

Tom Ozimek
Updated:

Conor McGregor has been handed down a medical suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission following his defeat at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.

Nurmagomedov (27-0) beat McGregor (21-4) in the fourth round Saturday, clinching a submission victory via what UFC officials and commentators have alternatively identified as a rear-naked choke or a neck crank.

Due to injuries sustained, McGregor has received a one-month medical suspension following the bout, according to Forbes.

The Irish fighter’s name features on a newly released list of medical suspensions meted out to a number of fighters competing on Saturday’s UFC 229 fight card.

“Conor McGregor suspended until Nov. 6, no contact until Oct. 28,” Nevada Athletic Commission officials have disclosed, according to the report.

Nurmagomedov did not receive any suspension as he sustained barely any damage in the fight.

The UFC 229 event saw seven bouts that ended either by knockout or TKO, with McGregor’s fight against Nurmagomedov the only contest that ended in a submission.

Other suspensions handed out included mention of two broken noses, a left orbital blow out fracture, facial cuts, as well as requests for limbs to be X-rayed.

Conor McGregor reacts during UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 6, 2018. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
Conor McGregor reacts during UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 6, 2018. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Commission to File Complaints Over Brawl

The Nevada State Athletic Commission plans to file complaints against both fighters in connection with a post-fight brawl that erupted after McGregor’s loss.

A visibly upset Nurmagomedov scaled the Octagon fence immediately after his victory and charged at McGregor’s jiu-jitsu coach, Dillon Danis, sparking a chaotic intervention by security staff who immediately separated the two men.

Moments later McGregor was also seen punching a member of Nurmagomedov’s entourage who was in the Octagon.

A different person also climbed into the Octagon and hit McGregor from behind. There were three arrests, UFC president Dana White said, yet no formal charges were made because McGregor decided against pursuing the case.

On Monday evening, Las Vegas Police said no arrests were made following the fight.

A statement read “LVMPD officers assisted with breaking up several small fights that took place after Saturday night’s UFC main event in Las Vegas.”

“After all parties were separated, no one involved wished to press charges and no arrests occurred,” the statement read, according to Fox Sports.

Commission chairman Anthony Marnell told ESPN on Monday that the board is investigating the Saturday fracas.

Nurmagomedov had his $2 million purse withheld with a complaint pending, multiple media outlets reported. McGregor received his $3 million payment, but that was before the NSAC saw the video that implicated the Irish star of post-fight wrongdoing as well.

“We will be filing against Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Marnell told ESPN. “Because we withheld one purse, we will have to move expeditiously to a complaint and hearing. We have held 100 percent of one of the fighter’s money. Temporary suspensions will be out shortly, and we’re shooting for a final hearing date in November.”

The NSAC still could also sanction other people involved, Marnell said.

Conor McGregor (blue gloves) taps out against Khabib Nurmagomedov (red gloves) during UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena. A brawl broke out moments later, resulting in the arrest of 3 of Numagomedov’s team-mates. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
Conor McGregor (blue gloves) taps out against Khabib Nurmagomedov (red gloves) during UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena. A brawl broke out moments later, resulting in the arrest of 3 of Numagomedov’s team-mates. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

‘Significant Punishment’ Expected

Former MMA fighter and current commentator Chael Sonnen witnessed the all-in brawl and said on Oct. 8 he expects the Dagestani fighter will  face “significant punishment.”
“This is a big deal,” Sonnen said. “Khabib suffered. So before everybody piles on him, let this play out. He had to deal with the police, he got through that—thanks to Conor, he and his team got through that. They now have the commission, and there is going to be a significant punishment.”

“He is going to face a suspension,” predicted Sonnen, “the only question is how long. I cannot imagine it will be less than six months, I will guess for you now it’s going to be a year. He is going to face a fine.”

Sonnen explained that in MMA, fines are a percentage of the purse.

“Khabib got a disclosed amount of 2 million dollars. I will guarantee you they take 10 percent, at a minimum. I believe they’re going to take 20.”

Mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen attends the UFC 170 event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 22, 2014. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen attends the UFC 170 event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 22, 2014. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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