UFC 242 will be held in Abu Dhabi, with Khabib Nurmagomedov expected to headline the event to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship. His suspension would be over by then, and Dustin Poirier is ready and willing to fight Khabib for the title. While the fans are eager for the showdown, the NSAC hearing scheduled for this Wednesday could scupper those plans.

At UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor to retain his title. While the scenes of ecstasy and agony of victory and defeat were there for all to see, it soon got out of control. Khabib jumped the cage to attack Dillon Danis, while Nurmagomedov’s henchmen surrounded Conor McGregor. Many have since put forward their theories as to who instigated the fight, and who was innocent.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission slapped all those involved with suspensions, ranging from six month to a whole year. While Khabib’s nine-month suspension will be up by September, the suspensions of his teammates, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov, will ensure that they sit out for majority of the year.

Both Abubakar and Zubaira received one year suspension for their involvement in the UFC 229 post-fight melee. NSAC will rehear both their cases this Wednesday, and there is a good chance that the commission will not reduce their suspensions.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Stance On Fighting At UFC 242

Previously, the UFC Lightweight Champion made it clear that he wouldn’t fight, until his teammates’ suspensions get over. This could throw the expected UFC 242 main event into doubt. Dustin Poirier had already challenged Khabib, asking him to send the location, while it is no secret that UFC wants Nurmagomedov to headline the event.

As it stands, Khabib hasn’t officially agreed to fight Dustin Poirier, and his decision could hinge on the outcome of Wednesday’s hearing.