Khabib’s Teammates Given Reduced Suspensions

On Wednesday, the Nevada Athletic commission would allow two of the men involved in 2018’s UFC 229 melee to return to competition.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov would see their suspensions reduced by 35 days, allowing both men to compete earlier than the initial one-year suspension handed down following their role in a post fight riot when teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov beat Conor McGregor in October 2018.

Nurmagomedov was given a nine-month suspension, which could have been reduced to six if the current UFC lightweight champion took part in a PSA for an anti-bullying campaign.

Nurmagomedov’s teammates argued that they should be given the same opportunity, and NAC executive Bob Bennett agreed and recommended that Abubakar and Tukhugov be afforded the chance.

Both fighters paid a $25,000 fine and will be made to complete 10 hours of community service, assisting youth in an area of their choosing, allowing them to serve only 11 months of their 12 month suspension.

Nurmagomedov did stress that he would not fight again until his “brothers” were allowed to, and with the reduction in suspension, all three men are now eligible to fight prior to September 7th, Khabib’s targeted return date for UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi.

Report: MMA Fighting