Mike Pierce adds torn ankle ligament to injuries suffered in Palhares fight

Following an ankle-wrenching loss to Rousimar Palhares, UFC welterweight Mike Pierce‘s final prognosis is good, but he’s got some recovery time ahead of him.

Pierce (17-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), who submitted to Palhares (15-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC) in 31 seconds at UFC Fight Night 29, on Thursday told MMAjunkie.com that in addition to suffering a sprained MCL, he has a “completely torn ligament” on the outside of his left ankle. 

“[The doctor] says I should be feeling a lot better in 2-3 weeks and that I shouldn’t need surgery,” Pierce wrote in a text message, “but to check back with him at that point. So that’s good news.”

Pierce’s coach, Phil Claud, earlier this week said the fighter’s initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL and added that surgery wasn’t likely necessary. However, a final checkup would determine whether that call was final. 

What is final is Palhares’ boot from the UFC, which came amid uproar over his torque of Pierce’s leg. Despite several taps and referee intervention, the Brazilian held the submission hold as Pierce screamed. After the two were separated, and after the event, the promotion withheld a “Submission of the Night” bonus earmarked for Palhares pending an investigation. The submission ace was then released from his contract, and the Comissao Atletica Brasileira de MMA (CABMMA), Brazil’s regulatory MMA body, then suspended Palhares 120 days. 

Pierce got a 180-day medical suspension, though he can be cleared earlier by a doctor. From the sound of it, that greenlight likely won’t come for several weeks, if not months. 

For more on UFC Fight Night 29, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Mike Pierce)