Israel Adesanya’s plans for a return to the UFC could be delayed by a lengthy medical suspension of six months.
The Last Stylebender, 31, suffered the first loss of his career to Jan Blachowicz on Saturday in an unsuccessful attempt to become the UFC’s fifth simultaneous champion.
The middleweight champion lost out to the light-heavyweight title holder on points in Las Vegas at UFC 259.
And as a result of his injuries, he could not be cleared to fight again until early September.
The Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter has been told he needs to undergo X-rays on his left foot and ankle to determine the level of damage sustained.
However, Adesanya could return on April 21 if he receives the green light from medics.
He has also been ordered to partake in no contact in training until April 6.