TUF 13 Medical Suspensions: Kingsbury, Cope and Downes With Most Serious Injuries

By Matt Erickson
MMA writer
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Ten fighters from Saturday's UFC Season 13 Finale of "The Ultimate Fighter" handed down medical suspensions following their fights by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The most serious potential layoffs are for main card winners Kyle Kingsbury (pictured) and Chris Cope, and preliminary card loser Danny Downes, all of whom could be out until early December.

The TUF 13 Finale took place at The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas and featured a main event win by Tony Ferguson, who became the latest "Ultimate Fighter" winner with a knockout of Ramsey Nijem; and a co-main upset win by Clay Guida over Anthony Pettis. None of those three were given medical suspensions.

Kingsbury must have a fractured left orbital bone cleared by doctors, or he will be unable to fight until Dec. 2. His unanimous decision win over Fabio Maldonado was given the Fight of the Night bonus by UFC president Dana White.

Cope, a TUF 13 semifinalist, dominated housemate Chuck O'Neil for a unanimous decision. But he will need both his thumbs x-rayed and given clearance before coming back or he, too, will be out until Dec. 2.

And Downes, who lost to Jeremy Stephens on the prelims, will need a right hand x-ray, plus that hand and his left shoulder cleared before returning. Otherwise, he'll be on the shelf until Dec. 2. In the fight, Stephens bent Downes' left arm behind his back in a kimura, but Downes was able to withstand tapping.

The full list of medical suspensions is below.

Ramsey Nijem: Suspended until July 5 with no contact until June 26.

Tim Credeur: Suspended until July 20 with no contact until July 5.

Kyle Kingsbury: Suspended until July 20 with no contact until July 5. Must have left orbital fracture cleared by an ENT or ophthalmologist, or no contest until Dec. 2.

Fabio Maldonado: Suspended until July 20 with no contact until July 5.

Chris Cope: Must have both thumbs x-rayed; if positive, must be cleared by an orthopedic doctor, or no contest until Dec. 2.

Danny Downes: Suspended until July 20 with no contact until July 5. Must have right hand x-rayed, and right hand and left shoulder must be cleared by an orthopedic doctor, or no contest until Dec. 2.

Josh Grispi: Suspended until June 26 with no contact until June 19.

Shamar Bailey: Suspended until July 5 with no contact until June 26.

Justin Edwards: Suspended until July 5 with no contact until June 26.

Ken Stone: Suspended until Aug. 4 with no contact until July 20.