UFC 137 Medical Suspensions: Vera, Palaszewski Out up to 6 Months

UFC 137 undercard competitors Brandon Vera and Bart Palaszewski could be out of action for up to six months after sustaining injuries Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Vera (Pictured, file photo) escaped his light heavyweight contest with Eliot Marshall with a unanimous decision, though Marshall made it interesting in the third period. After stunning “The Truth” with a punch combination, Marshall took Vera’s back and transitioned to an armbar which tore a ligament in Vera’s left elbow.

Palaszewski was much more convincing in victory, as the WEC veteran knocked out Tyson Griffin in less than three minutes, breaking Palaszewski’s right hand in the process. After clipping Griffin with a pair of short lefts, “Bartimus” followed up with flurry and finished his foe with a violent right hook.

Both Vera and Palaszewski were suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission until April 28 but may be cleared early by a physician. Regardless, both men will sit on the shelf until at least Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29. Griffin will also be out until Dec. 14 following his knockout loss, as will Dennis Siver, George Roop, Mirko Filipovic and Matt Mitrione.

Main eventers B.J. Penn and Nick Diaz also received medical suspensions after their exciting and bloody battle. Penn, who absorbed massive punishment in the second two rounds of the three-round welterweight affair, has been suspended until Dec. 29 with no contact until Dec. 14. In victory, Diaz was suspended one month with no contact until Nov. 20.

UFC 137 Medical Suspensions

Nick Diaz: Suspended until Nov. 29 with no contact until Nov. 20

B.J. Penn: Suspended until Dec. 29 with no contact until Dec. 14

Matt Mitrione: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

Mirko Filipovic: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

George Roop: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

Dennis Siver: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

Tyson Griffin: Suspended until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

Bart Palaszewski: Suspended until April 28 but may be cleared early by physician; regardless, no bout until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29 for lacerations

Brandon Vera: Suspended until April 28 but may be cleared early by physician; regardless, no bout until Dec. 14 with no contact until Nov. 29

Daniel Downes: Suspended until Nov. 29 with no contact until Nov. 20 for lacerations