via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 13: (R-L) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Gilbert Burns of Brazil in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 258 event at UFC APEX on February 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 13: (R-L) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Gilbert Burns of Brazil in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 258 event at UFC APEX on February 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Despite a dominant outing at UFC 258, Kamaru Usman might be looking at six months on the sidelines due to a medical suspension.
Kamaru Usman overcame early adversity on his way to defeating Gilbert Burns for his third title defense. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ didn’t absorb significant damage in the fight. However, as per the injuries and medical suspension report submitted to MixedMartialArts.com, the champ will need an X-ray of his right foot and subsequent clearance from the doctor.
Failure to do so can result in the welterweight champ not being eligible to compete for the next 180 days. Irrespective of the X-ray, Usman’s minimum suspension stands at 30 days, which includes 21 days of no-contact.
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Once friends, then foes.
Usman & Burns embrace at the conclusion on #UFC258 🤝 pic.twitter.com/uwPdtWQfHT
— UFC (@ufc) February 14, 2021
Alongside Usman, Alexa Grasso is also facing a potential 180-day term. Grasso, who defeated Maycee Barber via unanimous decision, will require MRI on her right shoulder and a doctor’s clearance. She also has a minimum of 30 days of suspension with 21 days of no-contact. Barber also faces the same suspension as Grasso.
Gilbert Burns, despite getting knocked out by Kamaru Usman, only faces a 45-day suspension
Gilbert Burns went into UFC 258, hoping to come out on the other side as the welterweight champion. Despite having his moments, the Brazilian couldn’t steer the fight in the direction he would’ve wanted to, eventually losing in the third round.
Burns needs a doctor to clear his right eyebrow and left orbital lacerations, failing which he will face suspension for 45 days. Although Burns took inspiration from Robbie Lawler and hopes to get back in the fire as soon as possible, he will have to stay on the sidelines for 30 days.
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Kelvin Gastelum, who defeated Ian Heinisch by unanimous decision, faces no medical suspension. Joining the UFC middleweight are Belal Muhammad, Polyana Viana, Andre Ewell, and Ricky Simon among the list of fighters who escaped any potential time off from the Octagon.
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Even though Kamaru Usman faces a potential six-months away from the Octagon, it is highly likely that he will not face any such consequence. Having called out Jorge Masvidal after his win, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will look to get back into the Octagon this year, at least for one more fight.
Read More: The Whirlpool Relationship Between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal
