The fate of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor has been decided
The Nevada State Athletic Commission had been deliberating what to do after the post-fight brawl, the filing of a formal investigation held up any sanctioning proceedings. All punishments voted on were pre-negotiated with the Nevada attorney general, Nurmagomedov, McGregor and company. Though we may have been fantasizing about potential matchups for Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor. Even the opportunity for a rematch has everyone abuzz. The NSAC has not forgotten, that is until today. Khabib Nurmagomedov will receive a 500k fine and nine-month suspension. With the offer of reducing his suspension to six months if Nurmagomedov takes part in a local bully campaign. Conor McGregor received a six-month suspension and a 50k fine. Nurmagomedov and McGregors suspension are both retroactive from UFC 229 October 6th, which would make McGregor eligible April 6, and Nurmagomedov July 6. Though we can’t really get upset with Khabib receiving three more months than Conor. Essentially they both got the same time, with the six-month factor in Nurmagomedov’s case, when he participates in the anti-bullying campaign that 9 months will then be 6 months. Some would say why should Nurmagomedov be the only one to have to participate in any anti-bullying campaign… Let’s not forget what sparked all of this madness in the eyes of Khabib. Not only will Conor be fined and suspended, if he continues to behave in the manner he has, before fights, but they will also consider taking disciplinary actions against. The UFC has taken disciplinary actions in the past, though they have never for verbal altercations. In any other sport, players get fined and suspended for verbal and physical altercations after a game. Everyone from promoters, fighters, officials, journalists and fans want to see mixed martial arts legitimised, MMA should be mainstream. This may seem like an unnecessary as it seems to some, and some people have very valid reasons, is absolutely necessary. For the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor and the sport of mixed martial arts. When you have a sport as mixed in culture as it is in art, there is a very fine line when it comes to the entertainment aspect. At what point are certain behaviours, or words considered to be bullying or prejudice. We can all look back at UFC 229 as a serious turning point, and wake up call. Yes it is a combat sport, and yes there is blood, however, if we all want to be taken as seriously as the NFL, we need sanctions for these actions. With the smoke finally clearing and let us not get too uptight, April is around the corner, and this is enough time for the powers that be to start looking to the future of what’s next. Will we see a rematch between these two, or will they face new opponents in their next bouts? One thing is for certain, we will find out sooner than later, because these two stars are big draws, and everyone wants to see what happens next.