NSAC Votes to Release Half of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s $2 Million Purse from UFC 229

The Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to release half of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s $2 million purse from UFC 229 during a Wednesday meeting.

The NSAC had previously withheld Nurmagomedov’s entire payout after the lightweight champion jumped out of the Octagon to attack Conor McGregor cornerman Dillon Danis following his fourth-round submission victory against the “Notorious” in the UFC 229 main event. That sparked a brawl in which members of the Dagestan native’s team entered the Octagon to confront McGregor, who had briefly attempted to exit the Octagon and took a swing at one of Nurmagomedov’s training partners that was climbing the cage.

The NSAC elected to give Nurmagomedov $1 million of his purse in order to help him cover expenses for his fight with McGregor. Eventually, he could face a greater financial penalty, as it was estimated he earned $5 to $6 million total at UFC 229. McGregor could be facing a fine as well.

As expected, both Nurmagomedov and McGregor were given temporary suspensions by the NSAC. The commission will draft a formal complaint against the two men once a full investigation into the events of UFC 229 is concluded. Neither man was present at Wednesday’s meeting.

Further sanctions will be determined for the two fighters at a hearing on Dec. 10. Nevada deputy attorney general Caroline Bateman pointed out that the NSAC has the right to ban the fighters for life and fine them 100 percent of their purses. However, NSAC chairman Anthony Marnell said that was an unlikely outcome.