• UFC 139

Shogun camp calms skull fracture fears

Mauricio Shogun Rua lost a classic at UFC 139 © Getty Images

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Mauricio Shogun Rua will need to be officially cleared of a possible facial or skull fracture before he is free to return to action in the UFC, although his manager says he will be fine.

Shogun went to war with Dan Henderson at UFC 139, losing a tight unanimous decision after one of the most punishing fights ever to take place inside the Octagon. At the end of the bout, Rua's face was heavily swollen, he was bleeding from his nose, his mouth and a cut above his eye, and he could barely stand.

Both he and Henderson face lengthy recovery times, likely to be less than the worst-case-scenario six months - a precautionary suspension dished out by the California State Athletic Commission, but Shogun must get cleared over a possible skull fracture.

Manager Eduardo Alonso holds no fears though, telling MMA Fighting: "All was fine. Only bruises and a cut on the eyebrow."

UFC 139 Medical Suspensions:
Dan Henderson - Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to a hard bout. He was also suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days unless he receives clearance from a physician for a possible right thumb fracture. An MRI/CT scan is needed to be cleared.
Mauricio Shogun Rua - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days due to a hard bout; suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days for an eyebrow laceration; and suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days unless cleared by a physician for possible facial and skull fracture.
Wanderlei Silva - Suspended for 60 days with no contact for 60 days unless cleared by a physician for a right eyebrow laceration.
Cung Le - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days due to TKO. He was also suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days unless cleared by a physician due to a possible nasal fracture.
Brian Bowles - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days due to submission.
Martin Kampmann - Suspended for 60 days with no contact for 60 days unless cleared by a physician due to forehead and right eyebrow lacerations.
Rick Story - Suspended for 60 days with no contact for 60 days unless cleared by a physician for a chin laceration.
Jason Brilz - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days.
Michael McDonald - Suspended for 180 days with no contact for 180 days unless cleared via x-ray for a possible third finger fracture on his right hand.
Tom Lawlor - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days due to submission.
Gleison Tibau - Suspended for 180 days with no contact for 180 days unless cleared via x-ray for possible right thumb fracture.
Shamar Bailey - Suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days due to TKO.

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