UFC 328 delivered unforgettable action inside the Octagon, but for 11 fighters, the aftermath is just as intense. The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board has issued a wave of indefinite medical suspensions following Saturday night's event in Newark, headlined by a dramatic middleweight title clash.
Sean Strickland may have reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship with a razor-thin split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev, but he paid a heavy price. Admitting post-fight that he took significant damage during the five-round war, Strickland now faces an indefinite suspension until he receives clearance from an orthopedist for a potential left hand injury. Even without that, he's sidelined for 45 days, with 30 days of no contact. Chimaev, despite the loss, also received a 45-day suspension with 30 days no contact—a reminder that even in defeat, the toll is real.
The co-main event saw Joshua Van retain his UFC flyweight championship with a late fifth-round knockout of Tatsuro Taira, but both fighters are now on the sidelines. Van is suspended indefinitely until his left hand is cleared by an orthopedist, plus a 30-day suspension with 21 days no contact. Taira, who suffered the knockout loss, faces a more serious indefinite suspension pending a CT head scan, along with a 90-day suspension and 60 days no contact.
The full list of suspensions reflects the brutal nature of the sport:
Sean Strickland: Indefinite suspension pending orthopedist clearance of left hand; suspended 45 days, 30 days no contact.
Khamzat Chimaev: Suspended 45 days, 30 days no contact.
Joshua Van: Indefinite suspension pending orthopedist clearance of left hand; suspended 30 days, 21 days no contact.
Tatsuro Taira: Indefinite suspension pending CT head scan; suspended 90 days, 60 days no contact.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Suspended 30 days, 15 days no contact due to a left periorbital laceration.
Joaquin Buckley: Suspended pending further evaluation.
As these warriors heal up, it's a stark reminder that every punch, kick, and submission attempt leaves a mark. Whether you're training for your next fight or just hitting the gym, proper recovery gear and support can make all the difference. Stay safe, train smart, and gear up for the next round.