Nelson receives six-month medical suspension after knockout over Minotauro

Nelson (photo) broke his hand in the fight with Minotauro. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

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Despite having shined at UFC Fight Night 39, in Abu Dhabi, with the impressive knockout over Rodrigo Minotauro, Roy Nelson suffered one of the longest medical suspensions among event participants.

“Big Country”, as he is known, must be out of action for six months, unless an orthopedist grants him medical clearance. Nelson broke his hand in the fight with the Brazilian, and, therefore, he will have to present tests on his right index finger in order to return ahead of schedule.

Minotauro, in turn, received a shorter suspension. Even though he was knocked out hard, he will have to spend two months without fighting, 45 days without any type of physical contact.

READ TOO: 'Minotauro should retire', says UFC president, Dana White

Similar suspension was also received by Rani Yaya, who was knocked out with an illegal headbutt by Johnny Bedford. The fight and the fast no-contest gave the fighter a 45-day layoff, 30 of which were without physical contact. The other Brazilian who participated in the event, Thales leites, should only be out for a week after his quick victory over Trevor Smith.

As there is no local athletic commission in Abu Dhabi, the exams were conducted by the UFC itself. Check out the full list below:

Rani Yaya: 45 days without fighting, 30 days without physical contact;

Johnny Bedford: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Alan Omer: 180 days or until cleared by an orthopedist for injuries to the right hand and wrist;

Jim Alers: 45 days without fighting, 30 days without physical contact;

Thales leites: 7 days without fighting;

Trevor Smith: 45 days without fighting, 30 days without physical contact;

Jared Rosholt: 180 days or until cleared by an orthopedist of the right shoulder injury;

Daniel Omielanczuk: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Ramsey Nijem: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Beneil Dariush: 45 days without fighting, 30 days without physical contact;

John Howard: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Ryan LaFlare: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Clay guida: 30 days without fighting, 21 days without physical contact;

Tatsuya Kawajiri: 190 days or until an ophthalmologist clears the injury to the left eye;

Rodrigo Minotauro: 60 days without fighting, 45 days without physical contact;

Roy Nelson: 180 days without fighting or until cleared by an orthopedist for the injury suffered to the right index finger.