UFC 173 medical suspensions and injuries: Varner wrecks leg, Ellenberger breaks face

Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its list of injuries and medical suspensions for the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters who participated in UFC 173, which took place last Saturday night (May 24, 2014) inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

And there are a few hefty sentences.

Of course, Jamie Varner was flagged after he attempted to fight James Krause with two fractured bones and torn ligaments in his left foot, an injury that happened early in the first round of their Lightweight match, but didn't stop "C-4" from somehow finishing the frame (watch video highlights here).

All heart!

Jake Ellenberger is also worse for wear thanks to Robbie Lawler, who beat up "Juggernaut" for two rounds before apparently breaking his face with a final round finish (watch video highlights here).

Both Varner and Ellenberger could be out of action for as long as six months, but the notable duo are not alone.

Here is the full list of UFC 173 medical suspensions:

• T.J. Dillashaw -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014, because of a right eyebrow laceration.
• Renan Barao -- Suspended until July 9, 2014, and no contact until June 24, 2014.
• Dan Henderson -- Suspended until July 9, 2014, and no contact until June 24, 2014, because of nose, eyebrow and ear lacerations.
• Jake Ellenberger -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a left inferior wall blowout fracture unless an ophthalmologist clears him to return sooner. Minimum suspension until July 9, 2014, and no contact until June 24, 2014.
• Francisco Rivera -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of possible right hand fracture unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner.
• Takeya Mizugaki -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014, because of cuts over both eyes.
• Jamie Varner -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a left leg fracture unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner.
• Michael Chiesa -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a possible left elbow injury unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner.
• Francisco Trinaldo -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014, because of a left cheek laceration.
• Katsunori Kikuno -- Suspended until July 9, 2014, and no contact until June 24, 2014, because of technical knockout and nose laceration.
• Al Iaquinta -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a right knee injury that requires and MRI unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner. Minimum suspension until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014.
• Mitch Clarke -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a possible right elbow injury unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner.
• Anthony Njokuani -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014, because of a possible corneal abrasion to left eye.
• Vinc Pichel -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a possible left eye blowout fracture unless an ophthalmologist clears him to return sooner.
• Sam Sicilia -- Suspended until Nov. 21, 2014, because of a possible right hand injury unless an orthopedist clears him to return sooner.
• Jingliang Li -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014, because of a left eye laceration.
  
• David Michaud -- Suspended until June 24, 2014, and no contact until June 15, 2014.

Again, just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases. In addition, not all injuries are recorded during the post-fight examination and often times surface in follow-up tests.

For a complete wrap up of all the UFC 173 weekend festivities click here.