TUF 28 Finale News: Rafael dos Anjos receives 60-day medical suspension; list of medically suspended fighters released 

What's the story?

TUF 28 finale took center stage at Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, on 30th November 2018. The fight card featured a total of six fights, led by the main event bout between Kamaru Usman and Rafael dos Anjos. Following the finale, the Nevada State Athletic Commission came out with a list of fighters who will indefinitely face a medical suspension as a result of the physical damage sustained by the fighters, during the fights.

In case you didn't know..

The TUF 28 finale was witness to talented and upcoming prospects coming from over five different weight classes. The event kickstarted with a catchweight bout between Antonina Shevchenko and Ji Yeon Kim, a fight that went the entire distance of three rounds, leaving Shevchenko victorious after a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.

Standout performances during the night involved a women's featherweight clash between Macy Chiasson and Pannie Kianzad, Juan Espino and Justin Frazier, and the main event between Kamaru Usman and Rafael dos Anjos. Macy Chiasson managed to pull off a second-round rear naked choke submission victory over Pannie Kianzad. Juan Espino, a 38-year-old UFC debutant, also went on to put up a great show by submitting Justin Frazier with a straight-arm lock (A.K.A the crucifix). The night came to an end after a highly anticipated match-up between Kamaru Usman and Rafael dos Anjos, with the former taking the victory via unanimous decision after five gruelling rounds.

Rafael dos Anjos and Kamaru Usman during their main event fight at the TUF 28 finale!

The heart of the matter

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has released a list of fighters who will be required to face a suspension over medical grounds. Rafael dos Anjos is not expected to return before taking a 60-day sit out from the sport. So are heavyweight fighter Juan Espino and flyweight fighter, Alex Perez, who will be required to clear orthopaedic tests before setting foot in the Octagon once again.

Below is the list of fighters from the early preliminary, preliminary, and main fight cards, who will be facing a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission:

• Alex Perez: Suspended until May 30 unless right hand cleared by an orthopedic doctor; minimum suspension until Jan. 15, with no contact until Dec. 31
• Juan Espino: Suspended until May 30 unless right knee cleared by an orthopedic doctor; minimum suspension until Dec. 31, with no contact until Dec. 22
• Rafael dos Anjos: Suspended until Jan. 30, with no contact until Jan. 15 due to lacerations
• Rick Glenn: Suspended until Jan. 30, with no contact until Jan. 15 due to a laceration
• Raoni Barcelos: Suspended until Jan. 30, with no contact until Jan. 15 due to a laceration
• Darren Stewart: Suspended until Jan. 15, with no contact until Dec. 31 due to a laceration
• Ricky Rainey: Suspended until Jan. 15, with no contact until Dec. 31 due to a laceration
• Kamaru Usman: Suspended until Dec. 31, with contact until Dec. 22 due to left thumb pain
• Bryan Caraway: Suspended until Dec. 31, with no contact until Dec. 22 due to a laceration
• Kevin Aguilar: Suspended until Dec. 31, with no contact until Dec. 22 due to left shin contusion
• Michel Batista: Suspended until Dec. 31, with contact until Dec. 22
• Leah Letson: Suspended until Dec. 31, with no contact until Dec. 22 due to a laceration
• Darrell Horcher: Suspended until Dec. 31, with contact until Dec. 22
• Chris Gutierrez: Suspended until Dec. 31, with contact until Dec. 22

What's next?

The TUF 28 finale proved to be a perfect depiction of the true, unforgiving nature of the sport of mixed martial arts. What are your thoughts on these suspensions and the future of these fighters for the year, 2019?