Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald on Tuesday confirmed that he will fight Neiman Gracie in the grand prix semifinals on June 14 – a date that currently is blocked off, according to the California State Athletic Commission. The CSAC, which regulated this past Saturday’s Bellator 220 in San Jose, handed MacDonald a mandatory 60-day suspension with 60 days no contact for a “facial cut on (his) right side,” per doctor’s notes issued after his majority draw against Jon Fitch. MacDonald also is subject to a potential 180-day suspension if he doesn’t receive medical clearance for an elbow injury. Reached for comment about the mandatory 60 days, CSAC executive director Andy Foster confirmed the suspension is in effect. He declined additional comment on MacDonald competing at Bellator 222 on June 14 but added, “If he’s suspended, he’s suspended.” When contacted by MMA Junkie, a Bellator official said the promotion is looking into the matter. Related Bellator champ Rory MacDonald not retiring, confirms desire to continue in grand prix Photos: Veta Arteaga’s skull was exposed from Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s elbow at Bellator 220 It’s a not uncommon for promotions to seek a medical exemption in the case of suspensions that conflict with fight bookings
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Bellator 220 medical suspensions: Rory MacDonald’s mandatory 60 days raises questions – MMA Junkie