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.
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.
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.”
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.
‘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.”“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.”