The first event of the year produced no shortage of fireworks and, as a result, no shortage of medical suspensions. Every fighter on the fight card is facing some level of medical suspension ranging from a week to six months.
Somewhat unsurprising is the first 180 suspension, which goes to Calvin Kattar. Following his slobber-knocker with Max Holloway, the Massachusetts native sustained a broken nose along with more than a few cuts and bruises. He’ll take six months off, but could have that suspension shortened if he has his nose cleared by a doctor prior to that mark. Joining him on the six month layoff is Justin Tafa. The New Zealand heavyweight lost a close split decision to Carlos Felipe. During the bout he took damage to his left thumb, which will need a clean x-ray to shorten his suspension.
While those are the only two facing the real big suspensions, a pair of fighters who KO losses are next on the list. Both Joaquin Buckley and Santiago Ponzinibbio were knocked out of their respective bouts. Each of them is looking at two months on the shelf before they’ll be allowed to compete again. Dusko Todorovic, who also was knocked out on the main card, will face a 45 day suspension for getting separated from consciousness.
Full list of medical suspensions:
Max Holloway – 30 Days
Calvin Kattar – 180 Days or until nose is cleared by doctor
Carlos Condit – 30 Days
Matt Brown – 30 Days
Li Jingliang – 7 Days
Santiago Ponzinibbio – 60 Days
Alessio Di Chirco – 7 Days
Joaquin Buckley – 60 Days
Punahele Soriano – 7 Days
Dusko Todorovic -45 Days
Joselyne Edwards – 7 Days
Wu Yanan – 7 Days
Carlos Felipe – 7 Days
Justin Tafa – 180 Days or until clear x-ray of left thumb
Ramazan Emeev – 7 Days
David Zawada – 30 Days
Vanessa Melo – 7 Days
Sarah Moras – 30 Days
Austin Lingo – 30 Days
Jacob Kilburn – 45 Days
All suspensions originally reported by Kirik Jenness.
