TUF 28 Finale medical suspensions: Two fighters potentially out until May 2019

Two up-and-coming prospects were given potential six-month medical suspensions in the aftermath of The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.

The Nevada Athletic Commission released the event’s finalized medical suspension report to MMA Fighting on Monday.

Heavyweight TUF 28 winner Juan Espino, who defeated Justin Frazier via first-round submission, and flyweight prospect Alex Perez, who suffered a first-round knockout loss to Joseph Benavidez, were the two fighters given the longest potential medical suspensions. As a result of potential damage sustained in the contest, both Espino (right knee) and Perez (right hand) will be forced to seek doctor’s clearance on their respective injuries or sit out six months before returning to active competition, per commission officials.

Aside from Espino and Perez, five other fighters received medical suspensions stretching into 2019: Rafael dos Anjos (Jan. 30), Rick Glenn (Jan. 30), Raoni Barcelos (Jan. 30), Darren Stewart(Jan. 15), and Ricky Rainey (Jan. 15).

TUF 28 Finale took place Nov. 30 at the Pearl Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The night’s main card aired live on FOX Sports 1.

A complete list of TUF 28 Finale’s medical suspensions can be seen below.

• Juan Espino: Must have MRI of right knee, if positive then needs orthopedic doctor clearance or no contest until 5/30/19; minimum suspension of no contest until 12/31, no contact until 12/22
• Alex Perez: Must have right hand x-rayed, if positive must have orthopedic doctor clearance or no contest until 5/30/19; minimum suspension of no contest until 1/15/19, no contact until 12/31
• Rafael dos Anjos: Suspended until 1/30/19, no contact until 1/15/19 due to lacerations
• Rick Glenn: Suspended until 1/30/19, no contact until 1/15/19 due to laceration
• Raoni Barcelos: Suspended until 1/30/19, no contact 1/15/19 due to laceration
• Darren Stewart: Suspended until 1/15/19, no contact until 12/31 due to laceration
• Ricky Rainey: Suspended until 1/15/19, no contact until 12/31
• Kamaru Usman: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22 due to left thumb pain
• Bryan Caraway: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22 due to laceration
• Kevin Aguilar: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22 due to left shin contusion
• Michel Batista: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22
• Leah Letson: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22 due to laceration
• Darrell Horcher: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22
• Chris Gutierrez: Suspended until 12/31, no contact until 12/22