Brad Tavares showcased true grit and toughness in surviving five rounds against Israel Adesanya at “The Ultimate Fighter 27” finale, so it’s no surprise that he emerged from that contest with a couple potential injuries.
The 30-year-old Hawaiian lost a unanimous decision to Adesanya in Friday’s main event at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms, and he will be facing a six-month layoff unless he has a nasal fracture and a left ulnar fracture cleared by the appropriate doctors. At a minimum, Tavares is suspended until Sept. 5 with no contact until Aug. 21. Adesanya, meanwhile, emerged from the middleweight bout with a clean bill of health.
The Nevada Athletic Commission released a full list of medical suspensions from the event on Monday.
Six other fighters from the “TUF 27” finale are also looking a six-month sits pending medical clearance: Michael Trizano (right leg, left knee), Martin Bravo (right foot fracture), Julian Marquez (right shoulder), Luis Pena (left foot), Richie Smullen (dental clearance) and Matt Bessette (left MCL).
‘The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale’ Medical Suspensions:
Brad Tavares: must have nasal fracture cleared by doctor and left ulnar fracture cleared by orthopedic doctor or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Sept. 5, no contact until Aug. 21.
Michael Trizano: must have lower right leg and left knee x-rayed and an MRI of left hand third metacarpal; if positive then must have orthopedic doctor clearance or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Martin Bravo: must have fractured right foot cleared by orthopedic doctor or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Aug. 21, no contact until Aug. 6.
Barb Honchak: suspended until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Alessio Di Chirico: suspended until Aug. 6; no contact until July 28.
Julian Marquez: must have MRI of right shoulder, if positive needs clearance by orthopedic doctor or no contest until Jan. 3.
Luis Pena: must have left foot (great toe) x-rayed, if positive needs doctor clearance or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Richie Smullen: needs dental clearance by DDS on lower teeth or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Allan Zuniga: suspended until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Bryce Mitchell: suspended until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Matt Bessette: must have MRI of left knee MCL tear, if positive needs orthopedic doctor clearance or no contest until Jan. 3; minimum suspension no contest until Aug. 6, no contact until July 28.
Oskar Piechota: suspended until Sept. 5, no contact until Aug. 21.