Khabib Nurmagomedov teammates receive reduced suspensions ahead of UFC 242

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team are ready to return.

At a meeting of the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday, fighters Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov saw their suspensions reduced by 35 days, at the recommendation of NAC executive director Bob Bennett. The two were initially handed one-year suspensions for their involvement in the UFC 229 melee between Khabib’s associates and rival Conor McGregor’s associates last October.

Khabib was given a nine-month suspension, but was given the option of a three-month reduction if he took part in an anti-bullying public service announcement. Abubakar and Tukhugov argued that they should be afforded the same opportunity and the commission found the suggestion to be “fair and equitable,” according to Bennett.

In addition to a $25,000 fine that the fighters have already paid, Abubakar and Tukhugov will complete 10 hours of community service assisting youth in an area of their choosing. Upon the resolution of their case, the two fighters will have served almost 11 months of their one-year suspension.

Khabib, Abubakar, and Tukhugov will all be eligible to compete before UFC 242 on Sept. 7 in Abu Dhabi, where Khabib is rumored to be defending his lightweight championship. He had previously vowed to not compete until his teammates’ suspensions were over.

Abubakar is currently employed by the PFL, while Tukhugov has not competed since losing a split decision to Renato Moicano at UFC 198 in May 2016.