Stephen Thompson earned the biggest win of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career this past weekend (Sat. Feb. 6, 2016) by knocking out Johny Hendricks in the main event of UFC Fight Night 82 in Las Vegas, Nevada
But it may have come at a price, as “Wonderboy” is facing a six-month medical suspension — pending clearance from an orthopedic doctor — from Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for an ankle injury suffered during the fight.
Joining him on the pine until August is Rafael Cavalcante, who was also handed a six-month sit for a injury to his right eye obtained during his bout against Ovince Saint Preux.
Here is the complete list of UFC Fight Night 82 medical suspensions and injuries from the NSAC:
Stephen Thompson: requires x-ray of right ankle then must be cleared by orthopedic dr or no contest until 8/7/16, minimum suspension of 3-8-16 and no contact until 2/28/16
Johny Hendricks: suspended until 03/08/16, no contact until 02/28/16
Jared Rosholt: must have left ankle x-rayed if positive then clearance by an orthopedic Dr or no contest until 08/07/16; minimum suspension no contest until 03/08/16, no contact until 02/28/16
Roy Nelson: suspended until 03/08/16, no contact until 02/28/16
Rafael Cavalcante: must have right eye cleared by ophthalmologist or no contest until 08/07/16; no contest until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16
Ovince Saint Preux: must have right ankle x-rayed if positive then clearance by an orthopedic Dr or no contest until 08/07/16; minimum suspension no contest until 03/08/16, no contact until 02/28/16
Joseph Benavidez: suspended until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16 – left eyebrow laceration
Alex Nicholson: must have bilateral jaw fractures and broken nose cleared by an oral, maxillofacial doctor or no contest until 08/07/16; minimum suspension no contest until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16 left eyelid laceration.
Sean Spencer: Suspended until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16
K.J. Noons: suspended until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16 – laceration on left 5th finger
Josh Burkman: must have MRI on right shoulder and clearance by orthopedic Dr or no contest until 08/07/16; minimum suspension no contest until 02/28/16, no contest until 02/21/16
Damian Grabowski: suspended until 03/23/16, no contact until 03/08/16 – scalp laceration
Ray Borg: suspended until 03/08/16, no contest until 02/28/16 – tough fight
Diego Rivas: must have both knees cleared by an orthopedic Dr or no contest until 08/07/16
Noad Lahat: suspended until 04/07/16, no contact until 03/23/16
Artem Lobov: suspended until 03/08/16, no contact until 02/28/16 – left upper eyelid laceration
Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases. In addition, not all injuries are recorded during the post-fight examination and often times surface in follow-up tests.
For a complete wrap up of all the UFC Fight Night 82 weekend festivities click here.