UFC Houston medical suspensions: 2 fighters receive indefinite suspensions after event
MMA Fighting
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UFC Houston saw multiple fighters handed medical suspensions following a night of violent finishes and high-stakes bouts. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation released the suspensions, which vary in duration and include both temporary and indefinite layoffs for several competitors. Notably, Sean Strickland, who secured a third-round knockout win over Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, was only suspended until March 3, while Hernandez received a longer suspension through March 24 despite not suffering serious ill effects from the fight. In the co-main event, Uros Medic’s highlight-reel knockout of Geoff Neal resulted in Medic being suspended until March 1, while Neal faces a month-long layoff ending April 23.
The suspensions highlight the stringent medical regulations enforced in Texas during UFC events. Fighters like Alden Coria and Ramiz Brahimaj were both handed indefinite suspensions following their performances on the card. Coria, who secured his second win but will need medical clearance to compete again, joins Brahimaj, who lost to Punahele Soriano, in facing an uncertain future until they receive further evaluation. Other fighters, including Melquizael Costa and Josiah Harrell, received shorter suspensions, with some ending as early as March 1 or extending into April.
The broader implications of these suspensions underscore the importance of fighter safety and the impact of medical regulations on UFC events. For fans and sports enthusiasts, this serves as a reminder of the physical toll mixed martial arts places on competitors. The varying suspension lengths also raise questions about how fighters’ careers are managed post-fight, particularly those who face indefinite layoffs. As the sport continues to grow, such incidents will likely remain a key focus for both promoters and regulators.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/24/2026