LAS VEGAS – Ten fighters from Saturday’s UFC 137 card have been given medical suspensions by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, including one of up to six months for a winning fighter.
The NSAC on Monday released the suspensions to MMA Fighting. Brandon Vera, who beat Eliot Marshall on the preliminary card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, is on the shelf until April 28 unless a likely torn ligament in his left elbow is cleared by a doctor. A dominant third round by Marshall included a late armbar attempt that apparently did the damage to Vera’s elbow.
And Bart Palaszewski must have his right hand x-rayed and cleared for a possible break before he can return. Palaszewski told Joe Rogan after his knockout upset win over Tyson Griffin that he thought he broke both his hands.
Main event fighters Nick Diaz and BJ Penn were also handed short suspensions. Penn, who said after the fight he intends to retire, was shut down for 60 days; Diaz, who dominated Penn in the second and third rounds to win a unanimous decision, is out until Nov. 29. He is expected to fight Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight title on Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.
The full list of medical suspensions is below.
Danny Downes: Suspended until Nov. 29 with no contact until Nov. 20 due to lacerations.
Brandon Vera: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29. In addition, must have torn ligament in left elbow cleared by orthopedic doctor or no contest until April 28.
Bart Palaszewski: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29 for lacerations. In addition, must have right hand x-rayed cleared by orthopedic doctor or no contest until April 28.
Tyson Griffin: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29.
Dennis Siver: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29.
George Roop: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29 for lacerations.
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29.
Matt Mitrione: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29.
BJ Penn: Suspended until Dec. 29 with no contact until Nov. 14.
Nick Diaz: Suspended until Nov. 29 with no contact until Nov. 20.