NJSACB slinging indefinite suspensions like guitar picks at a rock concert.
New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) recently released its list of medical suspensions and injuries for those fighters competing in the UFC 302 lineup earlier this month (Sat., June 1, 2024) from inside Prudential Center in Newark, with multiple athletes drawing a wide range of suspensions, according to MMA Junkie.
That includes lightweight headliner Dustin Poirier, who will be sidelined indefinitely for a broken nose suffered in his submission loss to Islam Makhachev. In addition, UFC 302 co-headliners Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa were both benched until further notice, which may come as a surprise considering their ho-hum fight.
Complete UFC 302 medical suspensions listed below:
Ailin Perez: Suspended indefinitely until jaw cleared by oral surgeon; also suspended 30 days no contact.
Joselyne Edwards: Suspended indefinitely until right thumb X-ray cleared by doctor.
Bassil Hafez: Suspended 30 days no contact.
Mickey Gall: Suspended indefinitely pending nephrology clearance; also suspended 14 days.
Grant Dawson: Suspended 30 days no contact for left eyebrow laceration.
Jailton Almeida: Suspended indefinitely until left knee cleared by orthopedist.
Randy Brown: Suspended indefinitely until right big cleared by orthopedist.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos: Suspended indefinitely until ophthalmologist exam cleared.
Michal Oleksiejczuk: Suspended indefinitely until right elbow cleared by orthopedist.
Sean Strickland: Suspended indefinitely until left tibia/leg cleared by orthopedist.
Paulo Costa: Suspended indefinitely until right ankle/foot cleared by orthopedist; also suspended 30 days with 14 days no contact.
Islam Makhachev: Suspended 30 days for facial lacerations.
Dustin Poirier: Suspended indefinitely until nose cleared by ENT specialist; also suspended indefinitely until left knee cleared by orthopedist.
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.