Nigerian MMA fighter, Israel Adesanya could face a lengthy medical suspension of six months after losing to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259.
The New Zealand-Nigerian middleweight champion, 31, suffered the first defeat of his professional career on Saturday night March 6, when he lost to Poland’s Jan Blachowicz in Las Vegas.
Adesanya lost by a unanimous decision as he failed in his quest to become the UFC’s fifth simultaneous champion at two different weight classes.
And as a result of his injuries from the fight, he could not be cleared to fight again until early September.
The 31-year-old has reportedly been told he needs to undergo X-rays on his left foot and ankle to determine the level of damage sustained.
The Mixed Martial Arts have confirmed the news from the Nevada Athletic Commission’s report, stating that he must receive clearance from a doctor before he’s giving the green light to fight again.
If cleared, he could return on April 21 but has also been ordered to partake in no contact training until 6.
Blachowicz was also suspended from any contact training until March 28 and cannot fight until at least April 6.