In a surprising turn of events, a trio of UFC 301 fighters who emerged victorious may find themselves sidelined for up to 180 days due to medical reasons, as reported by the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission.
Drakkar Klose, who secured a unanimous decision win over Joaquim Silva, faces a potential 180-day suspension for a right knee injury unless cleared by a doctor. Ismael Bonfim, who triumphed over Vinc Pichel, must also be cleared of left leg and foot injuries to avoid a similar fate. Dione Barbosa, after his decision victory over Ernesta Kareckaite, is looking at a lengthy hiatus as well due to a left shoulder injury.
The headliners of UFC 301, Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg, along with co-headliners Jose Aldo and Jonathan Martinez, received shorter 30-day suspensions with no contact for 21 days. Pantoja successfully defended his belt in a grueling five-round battle, while Aldo marked his return from retirement with a decision win.
The detailed medical suspension report reveals the extent of injuries suffered by various fighters during the event, highlighting the physical toll that comes with competing in the intense world of mixed martial arts. Fans will have to wait and see how these fighters recover and if they can make a successful return to the octagon in the future.