UFC Fight Night 82 medical suspensions: Stephen Thompson faces 6-month term for ankle

After knocking out ex-champ Johny Hendricks in spectacular fashion at UFC Fight Night 82, Stephen Thompson faces a potential six-month suspension.

According to medical suspensions released today by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which oversaw the FOX Sports 1-televised events at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, Thompson must have his right ankle X-rayed and “if positive” needs clearance from a doctor to avoid a lengthy term on the sidelines.

Thompson repeatedly landed heavy kicks on Hendricks before a well-placed punching combo brought a halt to the bout at the 3:31 mark of the first round. A TKO loss brought a monthlong suspension for Hendricks.

UFC Fight 82 co-headliner Jared Rosholt and Ovince Saint Preux suffered a similar injuries to Thompson, respectfully injuring their left ankle and right ankles. Both need clearance from a doctor before being allowed to return to the cage. Rosholt’s issue might help to explain a thoroughly lackluster bout with Roy Nelson, who chased him around the cage in a vain attempt to initiate a slugfest.

Additionally, a jaw injury reported by the UFC to Alex Nicholson, who was submitted by Misha Cirkunov on the main card, was confirmed by the commission. Nicholson faces a potential three-month suspension.

The full list of UFC Fight Night 82 medical suspensions includes:

Stephen Thompson: needs clearance of right ankle X-rayed, and if positive then clearance by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until Aug. 7; minimum suspension until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
John Hendricks: suspended until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
Roy Nelson: suspended until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
Jared Rosholt: needs clearance of left ankle X-rayed, and if positive then clearance by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until Aug. 7; minimum suspension until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
Ovince Saint Preux: needs clearance of right ankle X-rayed, and if positive then clearance by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until Aug. 7; minimum suspension until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
Rafael Cavalcante: needs clearance of right eye by ophthalmologist or no contest until Aug. 7; minimum suspension until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28
Joseph Benavidez: suspended until March 23 with no contact until March 8 for left eyebrow laceration
Alex Nicholson: needs clearance on “bilateral jaw fractures and broken nose by oral maxillofacial doctor or suspended until May 8; minimum suspension until March 23 with no contact until March 8 for left eyelid laceration
Sean Spencer: suspended until March 23 with no contact until March 8
Josh Burkman: must get MRI on right shoulder and needs clearance by orthopedic doctor or no contest until Aug. 7; minimum suspension until Feb. 28 with no contact until Feb. 21
K.J. Noons: suspended until March 23 with no contact until March 8 for laceration on left fifth finger
Damian Grabovski: suspended until March 23 with no contact until March 8 for laceration on scalp
Ray Borg: suspended until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28 for tough fight
Diego Rivas: needs clearance by orthopedic doctor for both knees or suspended until Aug. 7
Noad Lahat: suspended until April 7 with no contact until March 23
Artel Lobov: suspended until March 8 with no contact until Feb. 28 for left upper eyelid laceration

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 82, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

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