Former flyweight champ Johnson (knee) medically suspended

[August 15, 2018]    Demetrious Johnson was indefinitely suspended by the California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday after reporting a knee injury.

Demetrious Johnson stands on the scale during weigh-ins for UFC 186 at Metropolis. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The news means Johnson -- who was originally suspended for the mandatory minimum of seven days -- will need to be cleared by a doctor before the commission will lift the medical suspension.

Johnson, 32, said he sustained a "high-grade" tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo in their title fight at UFC 227 on Aug. 4.

Johnson suggested during a Monday appearance on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show that he will not need surgery and could be healthy within six weeks.

"Typically (a) Grade 3 (tear), you need surgery," Johnson said. "Grade 2 is six weeks off and rehab. It's feeling like a Grade 2 because I've had a tear in my left LCL before."

The defeat to Cejudo broke a 13-bout winning streak for Johnson (27-3-1 MMA, 15-2-1 UFC), including a record 11 consecutive title defenses since he claimed the inaugural flyweight belt in September 2012 at UFC 152. He had not lost a fight since October 2011.

Some expected an immediate rematch between the two fighters, but Johnson opted to take some time before making any decisions about what's next.

--Field Level Media

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