UFC 202 medical suspensions and injuries: Fracture could sideline Conor McGregor until early 2017

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight champion Conor McGregor could make his first-ever 145-pound title defense later rather than sooner after enduring -- and winning -- a brutal five-round Welterweight battle against Nate Diaz in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of UFC 202, which took place last Saturday night (Aug. 20, 2016) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. That is, of course, if "Notorious" decides he even wants to return to the division next -- or even mixed martial arts (MMA) for that matter.

Regardless of his next move, it might not happen until early 2017 if a doctor does not clear him to return because of a foot/ankle fracture that likely occurred when he was bombing Diaz's lead leg with kicks. Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) tonight released the list of UFC 202 injuries and medical suspensions, confirming the boo-boo that McGregor -- who was seen on crutches after the "epic" rematch -- hinted at during his post-fight interview. Neil Magny, who was finished by Lorenz Larkin on the Fight Pass undercard, received a similar lengthy sentence, as well as Artem Lobov.

To watch Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2 full fight video highlights from UFC 202 click here!

Check out the complete UFC 202 injuries and medical suspensions (via MMA Fighting):

-- Conor McGregor: Must have left foot/ankle fracture cleared by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until 02/17/17; minimum suspension until 10/20, no contact until 10/05

-- Nate Diaz: Suspended until 09/20, no contact until 09/11 because of left eyebrow cut

-- Glover Teixeira: Suspended until 11/19, no contact until 10/20

-- Rick Story: Suspended until 10/05, no contact until 09/20

-- Sabah Homasi: Suspended until 10/20, no contact until 10/05

-- Hyun Gyu Lim: Suspended until 10/05, no contact until 09/20

-- Takeya Mizugaki: Suspended until 10/05, no contact until 09/20

-- Neil Magny: Must have left leg x-rayed, if positive then must have orthopedic clearance or no contest until 02/17/17; minimum suspension until 09/20, no contact until 09/11

-- Lorenz Larkin: Suspended until 10/05, no contact until 09/20 due to left eyebrow and shin lacerations

-- Artem Lobov: Must have right leg and ankle x-rayed; if positive then must have orthopedic clearance or no contest until 02/17/17

-- Chris Avila: Suspended until 09/20, no contact until 09/11 due to left leg pain

-- Max Griffin: Suspended until 10/20, no contact until 10/05

-- Marvin Vettori: Suspended until 10/05, no contact until 09/20 due to left eyebrow laceration

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 complete results from UFC 202: "McGregor vs. Diaz 2," including play-by-play updates, click here and here.