Khabib Nurmagomeodv’s Commission Hearing for UFC 229 Brawl Delayed Until Jan. 29

Khabib Nurmagomedov will have to wait a little longer to receive his punishment for sparking a brawl following the UFC 229 main event in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.

Nurmagomedov was granted a continuance by the Nevada Athletic Commission, pushing back his disciplinary hearing until Jan. 29. MMAFighting.com was first to report the news. The continuance was a joint request by both Nevada Chief Deputy Attorney General Caroline Bateman and Nurmagomedov’s attorney, James Pisanelli. Nurmagomedov was not in attendance at Monday’s commission meeting.

Nurmagomedov’s legal team and the state were unable to come to a settlement agreement before the hearing.

“As opposing counsel and I discussed the case and began our exchange of records and documents and other materials necessary to prepare for the hearing, we recognized that that was consuming more of our time than our ability to engage in meaningful settlement negotiations,” Bateman said on Monday, via MMAjunkie.com.

It’s possible that Nurmagomedov and the state will have an adjudication agreement in place prior to the Jan. 29 meeting. If that is the case, a disciplinary hearing could be avoided.

“In the meantime, we can engage in extensive communication regarding the possibility that we can avoid a hearing and come to a resolution through an adjudication agreement,” Bateman said. “Unfortunately, as of today’s date, we have not reached an agreement with Mr. Nurmagomedov or Mr. Pisanelli, and for that reason we’re asking for this hearing to be continued to the January, meeting, as well. We will continue discussions with Mr. Nurmagomedov’s camp. However we also will be preparing for a full hearing at the January meeting in case we don’t reach a resolution.”

Conor McGregor, who was also involved in the post-fight melee at UFC 229, was granted a continuance prior to Monday’s meeting, as well. The Irishman is expected to appear before the NAC on Jan. 29 if a settlement agreement is not reached before then.

Both McGregor and Nurmagomedov are facing punishment for the melee that began when the Dagestani fighter jumped out of the Octagon following his UFC 229 victory to attack McGregor cornerman Dillon Danis. In the meantime, McGregor climbed the cage and took a swing at Nurmagomedov training partner Abubakar Nurmagomedov. Then, Zubaira Tukhugov and Esedulla Emiragaev entered the cage to confront McGregor, and Tukugov landed a punch on McGregor from behind.

The NAC has launched an investigation into the incident. Half of Nurmagomedov’s $2 million disclosed purse was withheld until the case is resolved. Both he and McGregor could face further fines and suspensions from the commission.