Three UFC 301 fighters, Drakkar Klose, Ismael Bonfim, and Dione Barbosa, could face 180-day medical suspensions due to injuries sustained during their fights, unless they are cleared by a doctor.
Well, here’s some news from the MMA world. The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission dropped a bombshell on Monday. Three UFC 301 fighters, who had their hands raised in victory, might find themselves benched for half a year. Why, you ask? Medical reasons, apparently.
Drakkar Klose is one of them. He outclassed Joaquim Silva in a unanimous decision on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro. But, he’s got a 180-day medical suspension hanging over his head. It’s all because of a right knee injury. But hey, if a doc gives him the green light, he could be back in the ring in 30 days.
Ismael Bonfim is another one. He took down Vinc Pichel in the second bout of the night. But, he was seen hobbling on crutches during the post-fight press conference. Now, he’s got to get his left leg and foot injuries cleared to dodge a 180-day hiatus after his win.
Then there’s Dione Barbosa. She needs a medical all-clear to return in 2024. Why? A left shoulder injury during her win over Ernesta Kareckaite. And let’s not forget Kevin Borjas. His left leg was on the receiving end of some nasty kicks from Alessandro Costa. He’s also looking at a 180-day suspension unless he gets medical clearance after his TKO loss.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. UFC 301 headliners Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg, and co-headliners Jose Aldo and Jonathan Martinez, got off relatively easy. Just 30-day suspensions with no contact for 21 days. Pantoja defended his belt in a grueling five-round battle. Aldo, on the other hand, came out of retirement and won via decision.
Want the full lowdown on the event’s medical suspension report? Check it out below.
Ismael Bonfim: Suspended 180 days or until cleared of left foot and leg injury (suspended 30 days, 21 days no contact if cleared).
Vinc Pichel: Suspended 30 days, 21 days no contact.
Alessandro Costa: Suspended 14 days, seven days no contact.
Kevin Borjas: Suspended 180 days or until cleared of left leg injury (suspended 45 days, 30 days no contact if cleared).
And the list goes on. Mauricio Ruffy, Jamie Mullarkey, Ernesta Kareckaite, Joaquim Silva, Drakkar Klose, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Iasmin Lucindo, Elves Brener, Myktybek Orolbai, Paul Craig, Caio Borralho, Joanderson Brito, Jack Shore, Anthony Smith, Vitor Petrino, Michel Pereira, Ihor Potieria, Alexandre Pantoja, Steve Erceg, Jonathan Martinez, and Jose Aldo. All suspended. Some for 14 days, some for 30, some for 45, some for 60, and some for 180. Some with no contact for seven days, some for 21, and some for 30.
It’s a tough sport, folks.