Menifield faces six-month absence after broken thumb mars UFC 331 split-decision win

Alonzo Menifield left UFC 331 in Los Angeles with a victory and a potentially serious injury, defeating Iwo Baraniewski by split decision on the main card before being handed a 180-day medical suspension for a possible fracture to his left thumb. The California State Athletic Commission issued the suspensions on Monday, with Menifield’s six-month ban the longest of the night — though he can return earlier with a physician’s clearance.

The light heavyweight suffered the injury in the opening round, and by the final bell the damage was visibly severe, with the thumb appearing badly displaced. The suspension carries a 180-day no-contact clause unless a doctor signs off on his recovery ahead of schedule.

Main event winner Joshua Van escaped with only a seven-day mandatory suspension, while flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja was handed a 60-day suspension with 60 days no contact for a laceration above his left eyebrow.

In the co-main event, Arman Tsarukyan received a 45-day suspension with 30 days no contact following a gruelling contest, while Mauricio Ruffy — stopped by knockout — was given a 60-day suspension with 60 days no contact and must also clear a laceration above his right eye before returning.

Robelis Despaigne picked up the night’s other lengthy ban, receiving a 180-day suspension with 180 days no contact for possible fractures to his right thumb and left tricep.

Here is the full list of medical suspensions issued by the California State Athletic Commission following UFC 331:

Joshua Van: 7-day mandatory suspension.

Alexandre Pantoja: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 60-day suspension, 60 days no contact unless cleared by a physician for a laceration on his left eyebrow.

Arman Tsarukyan: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Mauricio Ruffy: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 60-day suspension, 60 days no contact unless cleared by a physician for a laceration on his right eye.

Patricio Pitbull: 7-day mandatory suspension.

Doo Ho Choi: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 60-day suspension, 60 days no contact unless cleared by a physician for a laceration to his right eye; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Sean Sharaf: 7-day mandatory suspension.

Gable Steveson: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact due to knockout; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Alonzo Menifield: 180-day suspension, 180 days no contact unless cleared by a physician for a possible fracture to his left thumb; 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Iwo Baraniewski: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Charles Jourdain: 45-day suspension, 30 days no contact due to TKO loss; 7-day mandatory suspension.

Marlon Vera: 7-day mandatory suspension.

Tai Tuivasa: 7-day mandatory suspension.

Robelis Despaigne: 180-day suspension, 180 days no contact unless cleared by a physician for a possible fracture to his right thumb and left tricep; 7-day mandatory suspension.