Tim Kennedy (photo via Esther Lin / Showtime)

By FCF Staff

Not only did Tim Kennedy suffer a controversial, stoppage loss at UFC 178 Saturday night, but the middleweight contender is facing a lengthy medical suspension following the loss. Kennedy was stopped by Yoel Romero in round three at the event.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has released the medical suspensions stemming from Saturday’s card, and Kennedy could be sidelined for up to six months. According to the NSAC, Kennedy incurred a “left orbital inferior blowout fracture”during the memorable fight, and as a result, he must be cleared by a opthalmologist or plastic surgeon before he can fight again. Otherwise the 35 year-old will be sidelined for six months.

During the fight, Kennedy rocked Romero badly moments before round two came to an end. Romero received extra time to recover in between rounds, after a cutman applied to much vaseline to the fighter’s face, and his cornermen left his stool in the Octagon. Romero came out and finished Kennedy in round three, but due to the delay in between rounds, an appeal is expected from the latter’s camp.

Stephen Thompson could also be sidelined for multiple months, as the welterweight must have his right eye and hand cleared by a physician, or he cannot fight for 6 months.

UFC 178 was hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.