TUF 22 Finale medical suspensions: Tony Ferguson handed potential six-month suspension
Lightweight contender Tony Ferguson was one of three fighters to be medically suspended for upwards of six months in the aftermath of TUF 22 Finale, according to information released Monday to MMA Fighting by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
Ferguson (CT scan of head) submitted fellow UFC contender Edson Barboza in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that stole the event's 'Fight of the Night' honors. He now highlights a list that includes Ryan LaFlare (right hand and thumb), and Chris Gruetzemacher) (left and right forearms) as fighters who will be required to receive doctor's clearance on their potential injuries or be forced to sit out until June 11.
The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale took place Dec. 11 at The Chelsea in Las Vegas, NV. The main card aired live on FOX Sports 1.
It should be noted that fighters often return far sooner than their medical suspensions suggest, as injuries reported on fight night may not be as severe as initially expected.
The complete list of TUF 22 Finale's medical suspensions can be seen below.
Tony Ferguson: Requires CT scan of head or no contest until 06/11; minimum suspension no contest until 02/10, no contact until 01/26 due to lacerations
Ryan LaFlare: Requires x-ray on right hand and thumb, if positive then requires orthopedic clearance or no contest until 06/11; minimum suspension no contest until 01/11, no contact until 01/02
Chris Gruetzemacher: Requires left and right forearms to be cleared by doctor or no contest until 06/11; minimum suspension no contest until 01/11, no contact until 01/02
Jason Knight: Suspended until 02/10, no contact until 01/26 due to laceration on left cheek
Abner Lloveras: Suspended until 02/10, no contact until 01/26 due to laceration over right upper eyelid
Chad Mendes: Suspended until 01/26, no contact until 01/11.
Edson Barboza: Suspended until 01/26, no contact until 01/11 due to two scalp lacerations
Evan Dunham: Suspended until 01/26, no contact until 01/11 due to laceration over right eyebrow
Mike Pierce: Suspended until 01/26, no contact until 01/11
Joby Sanchez: Suspended until 01/26, no contact until 01/11 due to lacerations under right eye and over left eyebrow
Joe Lauzon: Suspended until 01/11, no contact until 01/02
Tatsuya Kawajiri: Suspended until 01/11, no contact until 01/02
Konstantin Erokhin: Suspended until 01/11, no contact until 01/02 due to left thumb injury