Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov will be eligible to compete at UFC 242 after having their suspensions reduced by just over a month, according to MMA Fighting.
The reduction happened after a meeting with the Nevada Athletic Commission, changing the fighters’ suspensions from one year to just under eleven months. The athletes, who are Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammates, received the suspensions (and a $25,000 fine) for their involvement in the infamous post-fight brawl at UFC 229. They will also complete ten hours of community service “assisting youth in an area of their choosing.” Khabib also received a reduced suspension in exchange for taking part in an anti-bullying PSA.
The fact that Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Tukhugov will be eligible to fight at UFC 242 has big implications for those who want to see Khabib back in the Octagon again — Khabib had vowed not to fight again until his teammates were once again eligible, and now that they’re free to do so, it provides more substance to the rumors that Khabib will be defending his lightweight title at UFC 242. The Jiu-Jitsu Times will provide updates on the event as they become available.
