UFC Rio Aftermath: Shocking Medical Suspensions and the Fighter Who Risked It All with a Hidden Injury
The dust has settled on UFC Rio, but the fallout is far from over. This past weekend (October 11, 2025) at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Comissao Atletica Brasileira de MMA (CABMMA) handed down a staggering 28 medical suspensions, leaving several fighters sidelined for months. But here's where it gets controversial: among those suspended was Lucas Almeida, who, in a move that sparked outrage, fought with a suspected broken hand, only to be pummeled in the ring. Was this a reckless decision, or a calculated risk gone wrong? We'll delve into that debate later.
Alexander Behunin, MMAmania.com's social media guru and live event correspondent, was on the ground to witness the carnage. Behunin, known for his insightful interviews with MMA's biggest stars, brings us the latest on the aftermath of this brutal event.
The Toll of the Octagon
The list of fighters facing extended absences reads like a who's who of UFC talent. Vicente Luque, fresh off a unanimous decision loss to Joel Alvarez, was hospitalized for a precautionary CT scan, revealing a right orbital fracture. This marks the second time "The Silent Assassin" has suffered back-to-back losses in the Octagon, raising questions about his future in the division.
Saimon Oliveira, who opened the card with a submission loss to Luan Lacerda, was also hospitalized for an X-ray on his arm. He's been suspended for 180 days due to a proximal rupture of the anterior band of his MCL complex. Oliveira's suspension adds insult to injury, as he made headlines before the event for missing weight by a staggering eight pounds, yet was still allowed to compete. The 34-year-old remains winless (0-4) in the UFC, leaving his future in the promotion uncertain.
The Hidden Injury Debacle
Lucas Almeida's case is particularly troubling. Reports surfaced before the fight that he was concealing a potentially broken hand. While the Brazilian commission cited medical confidentiality and didn't confirm the injury, Almeida was suspended for 180 days pending a right-hand X-ray and clearance from a physician. This raises serious ethical questions: should fighters be allowed to compete with undisclosed injuries? And who bears responsibility for ensuring fighter safety when such risks are taken?
Full Suspension List:
(Courtesy of MMA Fighting)
- Charles Oliveira: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Mateusz Gamrot: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Deiveson Figueiredo: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Montel Jackson: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Joel Alvarez: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Vicente Luque: 180 days, 45 days mandatory rest (right orbital fracture).
- Mario Pinto: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Jhonata Diniz: 180 days or cleared by negative right elbow MRI.
- Kaan Ofli: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Ricardo Ramos: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Michael Aswell: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Lucas Almeida: 180 days, no contact for 180 days or until right-hand X-ray cleared by a physician.
- Jafel Filho: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Clayton Carpenter: 180 days, no contact for 30 days, or until right shoulder MRI cleared by a physician.
- Vitor Petrino: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Thomas Petersen: 60 days, no contact for 45 days.
- Bia Mesquita: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Irina Alekseeva: 60 days, no contact for 45 days.
- Lucas Rocha: 14 days, no contact for 7 days.
- Stewart Nicoll: 30 days, no contact for 30 days.
Important Note: These suspensions are precautionary measures. Fighters often return to action sooner once medically cleared. Additionally, not all injuries are immediately apparent and may surface in follow-up examinations.
The Debate Rages On
Almeida's decision to fight with a suspected injury has sparked a heated debate within the MMA community. Some argue it's a testament to a fighter's grit and determination, while others condemn it as reckless and dangerous. And this is the part most people miss: the pressure to perform, the financial implications of pulling out of a fight, and the culture of toughness within the sport can all contribute to fighters making questionable decisions.
Where do you stand on this issue? Should fighters be held more accountable for their own safety, or does the onus fall on commissions and promoters to implement stricter regulations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For a complete breakdown of UFC Rio results, highlights, and analysis, click HERE.
