Who picks up the medical costs for fighters after their UFC days are over?
This may seem like a random question to you but who covers the medical expenses for retired UFC fighters?
As a surgeon, I see it every day. A person's body has worn out and they are in desperate need of medical care but they haven't reached the magical age of 65; when Medicare will kick in and hand to all those less than 65 the bill for their care. What happens if that poor battered soul does not have adequate health insurance to cover their current physical issue, the medications and rehab? What if they need surgery?
What if that person is an ex-UFC MMA athlete?
Who pays when the once fighting legend and cash cow is now a hobbled footnote or sports trivia answer. The injuries that he currently seeks care for are very likely a direct result of his involvement in MMA. These hip, knee, back and shoulder problems are very likely to appear at ages much younger than we expect to see in the 'normal' non-combat athlete population.
Total knee replacements in 40 yo men are not a pretty long-term picture but may be the future for more than a few ex-UFC warriors. Remember all of those blown knees and ACL reconstructions? We won't even begin to discuss that second or third back fusion.
Who will care for these wounded 'gladiators' (I despise that characterization)?
Who will pick up the tab for 'leaving it all in the octagon'?
God bless you and get well soon Don Frye!!
Posted by Johnny Benjamin MD at 6/5/2010 9:24 AM 
Categories: MMA
Tags: UFC health insurance retirement MMA
Categories: MMA
Tags: UFC health insurance retirement MMA
Well, I guess they could always use the public healthcare option. oops I forgot. President Obama didn't get the backing he needed for that one.
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Couldn't agree more. I wouldn't have a single problem paying an extra dollar or two for medical expenses. I have known plenty of athletes in my family and friends, and have seen and felt firsthand the damage simple little league or high school competition can leave, and especially how much worse it can get over time.
My grandfather played AAA, and for a short time professional baseball and had to have his knee replaced in his 40's. His son, my uncle has had 4 knee surgeries and will most likely follow the same path. I've had 2 knee surgeries myself. One full blown reconstruction at only 18 years old and was told it was a forgone conclusion I would need replacement someday as well. I still can't watch knee injuries in sports without cringing. Gonzaga knocking out Cro Cop and falling over on his bent knee almost made me vomit.
Injuries are a common and horrible part of every sport, and given the level of athleticism and physical strain in MMA, it would make sense that the long term damage for them would be awful. I think the price they pay for our mere entertainment is worth far more than a couple extra bucks.
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Dr. Benjamin as a fellow hopeful in sports medicine and a new found MMA junkie I could not agree with your blog anymore. Though the UFC and major MMA companies are much newer to the sports scene (compared to NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.) they need to be proactive in preparing for the end of some of their legends. Some of the major players that got the UFC to prominence are nearing the end and the question of what to do when it's all over has yet to be answered. Knowing how important it is to provide some care from the multiple injuries incurred over time MMA organizations would be crazy to not at least plan ahead. Though I'm not saying adding $1 to a pay-per-view is an end all be all final solution it's a great start in preserving the past and a generation of great fighters who helped make this sport as it is today.
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