LAS VEGAS — The Nevada State Athletic Commission will be filing a complaint against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
As to the severity of that complaint, a "comprehensive investigation" will determine the potential sanctions faced by the UFC lightweight champion for starting a brawl at UFC 229 following his win over Conor McGregor, NSAC executive direction Bob Bennett told MMAjunkie.
Nurmagomedov jumped the fence after submitting former two-division champ McGregor and exchanged punches with McGregor teammate and Bellator fighter Dillon Danis. At the same time, three of Nurmagomedov's teammates entered the octagon at T-Mobile Arena and brawled with McGregor.
Bennett confirmed the commission was withholding Nurmagomedov's $2 million purse as of early Sunday morning. Bennett declined further comment on the possible resolution until all the facts have been gathered.
The commission has the ability to fine and suspend Nurmagomedov. It can also order him to perform community service, as was the case when former light heavyweight champ Jon Jones brawled with current two-division champ Daniel Cormier in the lobby of the MGM Grand.
UFC President Dana White said a lengthy suspension could result in Nurmagomedov being stripped of the belt. White said the champ's teammates will never fight in the UFC again.
Bennett said the commission has collected footage of the event from the UFC and other sources to review the incident. Any complaint – or complaints – will be sent to the state attorney general's office. A hearing will then be called to review the complaint.
As the executive director, Bennett will make a recommendation, but the final decision for sanctions rests with the five-member commission.
Despite the ugly ending to the event, Bennett praised the commission's performance.
"From an officiating perspective, at risk of sounding immodest, we had an outstanding night," Bennett said. "Fortunately, this fight was watched worldwide. Unfortuntely, this incident took place, and now we have to conduct a comprehensive investigation and present the facts fairly and honestly."
For complete coverage of UFC 229, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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