Looks can be deceiving. Despite suffering a multitude of facial lacerations in his controversial win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 over the weekend, Georges St-Pierre has been medically suspended for just 45 days by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
St-Pierre is suspended until Jan. 1, 2014 with no contact until Dec. 17. It’s undetermined when or if GSP will return to the cage anytime soon, as the welterweight champ suggested after his win that he needed to take some time off from the sport.
Meanwhile, Hendricks could miss as much as six months with a possible knee injury. The 30-year-old must have his right knee cleared by an orthopedic physician before he can resume competition; he is suspended 30 days with no contact until Dec. 8.
Flyweight Ali Bagautinov (feet), plus light-heavyweights Gian Villante (hands) and Cody Donovan (hand), could also be out six months unless they get clearance from orthopedic physicians.
GSP’s Canadian teammate, Rory MacDonald, received a 30-day medical suspension after his split decision loss to Robbie Lawler in which he absorbed 44 significant strikes.
Here is the full list of medical suspensions handed out to UFC 167 competitors by the NSAC:
— Georges St-Pierre out until Jan. 1, 2014 with no contact until Dec. 17.
— Johny Hendricks out until May 17, 2014, with a possible right knee injury unless cleared by an orthopedic physician; at minimum he’s out until Dec. 17 with no contact until Dec. 8.
— Chael Sonnen out until Jan. 1, 2014, and no contact until Dec. 17.
— Rory MacDonald out until Dec. 17, 2013, and no contact until Dec. 8.
— Josh Koscheck out until Jan. 1, 2014, and no contact until Dec. 17.
— Ali Bagautinov out until May 17, 2014 with a possible left foot injury unless cleared by an orthopedic physician; at minimum he’s out until Dec. 17 with no contact until Dec. 8.
— Evan Dunham out until Jan. 1, 2014, and no contact until Dec. 17, because of a left eyebrow laceration.
— Rick Story out until Jan. 1, 2014, and no contact until Dec. 17, because of a left eyebrow laceration.
— Erik Perez out until Dec. 17, 2013, and no contact until Dec. 8, because of a laceration on bridge of nose.
— Gian Villante out until May 17, 2014, with possible injuries to both hands. Must be cleared by an orthopedic physician.
— Cody Donovan out until May 17, 2014, with a possible right hand injury. Must undergo X-ray examination and be cleared by an orthopedic physician; at minimum he’s out until Dec. 17 with no contact until Dec. 8.
