After UFC 98, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) handed down precautionary medical suspensions to several athletes.  Upon review, the suspensions seem very reasonable from a fighter safety perspective.  But from my observation of the Hughes vs. Serra contest, the NSAC potentially missed one...Matt Hughes.

During the first round, Matt Hughes took an inadvertent head butt to the chin and immediately went down with what could reasonably be described as a flash knockdown/out.  It took him a while to regain his composure and he survived the round.  TV coverage between rounds clearly captured Matt Hughes repeatedly asking his corner if he went down during the round.  It was quite evident that Matt had no clear recollection of the event.  In medical jargon that is called amnesia.

The magnitude of the blow, the disorientation and amnesia for the event all clearly suggest that Matt Hughes suffered a concussion and by definition should be given a precautionary medical suspension.  He should be barred form all training, contact and sparring for 30 days and then cleared by preferably a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon.

This precautionary suspension should create no significant hardship for Matt Hughes since it is customary for fighters to rest and take a vacation after major fights.