The dust has settled on UFC on ESPN 63 in Tampa, Florida, but the repercussions of the intense battles that unfolded in the Octagon are still being felt. The Florida Athletic Commission (FAC) has released its post-event medical suspensions, revealing a mix of surprising leniency and cautionary measures for the fighters involved.
In an unexpected turn of events, the main event protagonists Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley have emerged relatively unscathed from a regulatory standpoint. Despite the fight ending in a doctor’s stoppage due to a significant laceration, Covington has been handed a mere 45-day suspension. This decision has raised eyebrows in the MMA community, given the visible damage Covington sustained during the bout.
Buckley taunts Colby Covington at the end of the round #UFCFightNight #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/XZaql7bHEP
— Jeri Tsai (@JeriTsaiNets) December 15, 2024
Buckley, who claimed victory in dramatic fashion, seems to have escaped without any mandated time off. This outcome is particularly noteworthy considering he was the one who inflicted the fight-ending damage. The lack of a suspension for Buckley suggests that the FAC found no immediate medical concerns following his performance.
However, the event wasn’t without its casualties. Five fighters from the card have been slapped with indefinite medical suspensions, here is the list of those with a medical suspension
UFC on ESPN 63 Medical Suspensions
- Josefine Knutsson – Suspended 30 days
- Ramon Taveres – Suspended 30 days
- Miranda Maverick – Suspended 30 days
- Felipe Lima – Suspended 21 days
- Miles Johns – Suspended 21 days
- Fernando Padilla – Suspended 45 days
- Drakkar Klose – Suspended 60 days
- Michael Johnson – Suspended 21 days
- Ottman Azaitar – Suspended 60 days
- Navajo Stirling – Suspended 30 days
- Tuco Tokkos – Suspended indefinitely
- Daniel Marcos – Suspended indefinitely
- Adrian Yanez – Suspended 30 days
- Dustin Jacoby – Suspended indefinitely
- Vitor Petrino – Suspended 60 days
- Manel Kape – Suspended 30 days
- Bruno Silva – Suspended 60 days
- Billy Quarantillo – Suspended 60 days
- Cub Swanson – Suspended indefinitely
- Colby Covington – Suspended 45 days
For Covington, the 45-day suspension could be seen as a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing night. The former interim welterweight champion, known for his controversial persona and relentless fighting style, will have the opportunity to return to training relatively quickly. This quick turnaround could be crucial for Covington as he looks to rebound from this setback and potentially position himself for another title shot in the competitive welterweight division.
Buckley, on the other hand, emerges from this event with his stock significantly risen. Not only did he secure a victory over a high-profile opponent, but he also appears to have done so without incurring any major damage that would sideline him. This clean bill of health could allow Buckley to capitalize on his momentum and potentially secure another high-profile bout in the near future.
The indefinite suspensions handed to the five fighters serve as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in professional MMA. These athletes now face uncertain timelines for their return to action, pending medical clearance. The lack of specificity in the reported injuries, while protecting the fighters’ privacy, also leaves fans and analysts speculating about the nature and severity of the damage sustained.
As the MMA world digests these medical suspensions, attention will inevitably turn to the future implications for all involved. For those with short suspensions or none at all, the focus will be on their next moves within the UFC’s competitive landscape. For those facing indefinite suspensions, the priority shifts to recovery and rehabilitation, with hopes of returning to the Octagon stronger than ever.
