UFC 188 Medical Suspensions: New Heavyweight King Shelved Up To Six Months

While Fabricio Werdum was able to submit Cain Velasquez in the third round of their heavyweight title bout at UFC 188, the new champion didn’t leave Mexico City unscathed. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace has been hit with a 180-day medical suspension. To avoid the lengthly suspension, “Vai Cavalo” will need to be cleared of an MRI on his right knee and right thumb, as well as a nasal x-ray.

Unsurprisingly, co-main event winner Eddie Alvarez was also handed a six-month suspension and he can thank the first round efforts of Gilbert Melendez. Alvarez will need to be cleared by an ophthalmologist to avoid the downtime.

Below is the list of medical suspensions (via MMA Underground):

Clay Collard: Upper lip laceration; Suspension 45 days no fight, 30 days no contact

Alejandro Perez: L infraorbital laceration; Suspension 30 days no fight, 21 days no contact

Henry Cejudo: Nasal laceration; Suspension 30 days no fight, 21 days no contact

Cain Velasquez: L upper eyelid and R eyebrow; Suspension 45 days no fight, 30 days no contact

Gabriel Benitez: 180 days or clear R wrist/knee and L thumb/foot by Ortho

Francisco Trevino: 180 days or clear R knee by Ortho

Fabricio Werdum: 180 days or clear MRI of R knee and R thumb and nasal x-ray

Gilbert Melendez: 30 days no fight, 21 days no contact

Eddie Alvarez: 180 days or clear by ophthalmologist.

A seven-day rest period is also required for all athletes who competed at UFC 188. As is the case in most scenarios, the fighters probably won’t serve their full suspensions and will be cleared to compete sooner.