Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight import Ed Herman was the only fighter willing to step up on short notice and challenge Ronaldo Souza at last weekend's (Jan. 12, 2013) "Marquardt vs. Saffiedine" event from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
Now we know why.
"Jacare" turned "Short Fuse" into a pretzel with a first-round Kimura during the final broadcast in Strikeforce history, benching the former "Ultimate Fighter" indefinitely, pending a phycisian's clearance for possible injuries to his hand, elbow and shoulder.
Misery loves company.
Joining Herman on the list of indefinite suspensions is Kurt Holobaugh. The previously undefeated lightweight needs additional medical attention for his hand after going three rounds against Pat Healy on the Showtime Extreme preliminary card.
Aside from those two suspensions, most of the other competitor escaped without incident. Here is the complete list of Strikeforce injuries and medical suspension from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission (via MMA Weekly):
Dion Staring: Suspended 30 days for precautionary reasons.
Ed Herman: Suspended indefinitely until a doctor clears him of shoulder, elbow and hand injuries.
Kurt Holobaugh: Suspended indefinitely until a doctor clears him of a hand injury.
Anthony Smith: Suspended 30 days due to facial cuts.
Michael Bravo: Suspended 30 days for precautionary reasons.
Notice anything peculiar?
Nate Marquardt was not suspended despite having his leg turned into hamburger meat by the relentless kicks from Tarec Saffiedine in the night's main event. See a pic of his battered ham hock here and join me in wondering aloud how that doesn't earn him at least 30 days for "precautionary reasons."
Especially when he leaves the arena on crutches.
Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much sooner once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases.
For complete Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here.