Cagewriter - UFC

Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:25 pm EST

Who pays for Corey Hill's recovery?

The seemingly make-believe world becomes very real when you see a fighter's shin explode into pieces. Corey Hill suffered the most gruesome injury in the history of the UFC last Wednesday when he broke his leg attempting a kick. Most of us know how ridiculous the cost is for any sort of medical treatment is nowadays, so how much does it cost to mend a shattered leg? And more importantly how do you pay for it? Do UFC fighters have a company backed insurance plan? Dana White spoke on the topic on local Las Vegas radio:

"Corey Hill is still in the hospital. He had surgery, they put a plate in his leg. We paid for all that. We covered all those expenses. He'll go into rehab, we'll pay for that too."

Can anyone estimate the cost on that surgery and 12-18 months of rehab? That's a hefty fee but what more can you ask UFC to do? The Hill discussion was part of bigger conversation about how the NFL treats its athletes. The PMS show on ESPNRadio1100 pointed out that there are many former football players who live in a world of confusion because of post-concussion syndrome. And it's seems like NFL could care less. White understands what the NFL deals with, when he points out that insuring UFC fighters really isn't feasible:

"Go out and say we own the Ultimate Fighting Championship," said White. "We like to get some health insurance for our fighters. You can't do it. It would cost so much money it would put you out of business."

Click below to listen to discussion with White on fighter injuries and insurance (ESPNRadio1100 w/Afternoon Gridlock Show):

White says the UFC does try to point its fighters in the right direction whether its about getting insurance or managing their money. Seminars are held so that even the richest fighters don't find financial ruin.  

digg delicious
more

24 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. ruckaone
    1. Posted by ruckaone Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:55 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    fighters see what is happening in the NFL with some retired players and hopefully learn from it to avoid being broke and homeless.
  2. Lino L
    2. Posted by Lino L Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:53 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    dammit cofield
  3. Chris S
    3. Posted by Chris S Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I thought White and his partners said they had insurance?? Didn't Tito Oritz bring this issue up when he had back problems?? Sounds a little funny to me when they say they have insurance when Tito complains but then says they don't have insurance when a new kid suffers a serious injury.
  4. Clint
    4. Posted by Clint Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    What does the UFC cover and not cover??? All my blogging MMA buddies.....Help a brother out!!!! Anyone have a clue of UFC policy???
  5. NickG
    5. Posted by NickG Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I'm thrilled to hear the UFC is paying for Corey's hospital bills and rehab. Thanks for posting all these radio interviews and pressers, Steve. It really sets this blog apart from the others.
  6. hotpockets668
    6. Posted by hotpockets668 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I swear I wanted to read about MMA.....
  7. Nutcracker
    7. Posted by Nutcracker Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    You have to insure any card or event you put on.. So to say you dont or cant personally insure each specific fighter is a bit misleading. The whole event must be insured, and fighters fall under that umbrella..
  8. Nutcracker
    8. Posted by Nutcracker Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Having said that, it sure is mighty White of Dana to pick up that tab.. What a guy...
  9. Darkness!
    9. Posted by Darkness! Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:45 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Nut-
    good to see u back in usual UFC?Dana White hating form. I believe u are correct about them being required to insure the event, and thus having to cover initial medical expenses for any fighter hurt on that card... however- I don't think the company isn't required to pay for rehab, living expenses, etc. If ur a pro fighter, that should all prob. be part of ur independant financial planning; u have to account for the possibility that u may get hurt, and put some extra $ away for such an occasion. Not downing Cory Hill, Tito, or any other injured fighter, or their situation... getting injured sucks!- trust me. But it sounds to me like Dana and the UFC are treating and handling this situation very well... can Dana White really bench 325?
    : p
  10. chano
    10. Posted by chano Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:02 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    wow money for fighter who get hurt, good job DANA.
  11. gspfan
    11. Posted by gspfan Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:12 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    The amazing thing was that if you look right before the ref separates them, Hill is going for a kimura. If he had somehow pulled the submission off it would have been the most amazing thing in sports ever.
  12. BearDown
    12. Posted by BearDown Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:23 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    It is the insurance companies that are to blame in a BIG way. Being in health care for the last fifteen years; insurance companies have become the actual downfall of US health care. They charge crazy high premiums and rates to be covered and at the same time they keep cutting reimbursement for the providers. The insurance packages are not uniform in comparison meaning (for example) they give one sport a certain rate for coverage and give another rate that is twice as high to another sport. There is crap for regulation (much like the SEC). Ever wonder why you see your doctor for 5-10 min? It's because they have to see twice as many people due to reimbursement being cut so much. It is literally cheaper for the UFC to take that money that they would pay for a monthly premium, put it in an intrest bearing acct and pay for the fighters medical expenses like they do. (man my spelling sucks today).
  13. Dubya b
    13. Posted by Dubya b Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:12 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Why would anyone go into a full contact sport (football, boxing, MMA etc.) and expect company paid insurance? That is why you are paid the multi-million salaries in professional Boxing, NFL and MMA, oh wait, not the MMA.
  14. dopey
    14. Posted by dopey Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:31 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    that was one of the most grusome injuries iv ever seen best wishes to corey hill
  15. KJ-MMA Armchair
    15. Posted by KJ-MMA Armchair Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I do remember one broadcast a while ago where Rogan and Goldberg made mention that Chuck Liddell's hands were insured by Lloyds of London but I wouldn't take that as a definite example and it may have just been a bit of PR hype since David Beckham was similarly in the news and does have his legs insured by Lloyds.
    I think some people might be mixing up liability insurance (which UFC has to pay in case something happens to a patron or employee at a show) with medical insurance (which is at the discretion of the various health insurance companies).
    Also fighters in MMA might fall into a similar grey area as pro-wrestlers in that they can be seen as independant contractors and not employees which can both reduce the promoter's responsibilities (whether that's UFC or WWE) and is also reason why both industries are unable to get union representation.
    Perhaps a Fighter Fund could be set up, a not-for-profit charity that fighters and promoters can pay into (perhaps compulsory through Athletic Comission sanctioning), and the fund can take on athletes from MMA, Boxing and other full contact combat sports who are in need of financial assistance for medical reasons (and each case should be means tested so it can be established the level of support that athlete needs and what he can afford himself).
  16. Dutchmeister
    16. Posted by Dutchmeister Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:34 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I'm glad to know that the UFC is paying for Corey Hill to get his leg fixed. That's really classy of Dana White and the company. Hill's a tough, talented guy, but after what happened to him, he should consider moving up at least two weight classes to middleweight. Being 6'4" tall is unusual for a lightweight, but from a long-term career standpoint, it's just not feasible for Corey Hill to be such a lanky fighter to be so tall. His limbs are way too frail for such a frame, given the full-contact (and high impact) nature of MMA. He needs to add some more muscle to his frame, especially his lower extremities, to avoid another catastrophic injury.
  17. Jeff
    17. Posted by Jeff Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:45 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    In regards to Tito "Cry Baby" Ortiz, he's a piece of garbage. When is the last time he was actually impressive in the ring against a name opponent? He got completely dominated by Lloyto Machida, got destroyed twice by Liddell, got spanked (literally) by Couture. The only person he has put a beat down on recently has been Ken "The Ageless Wonder" Shamrock. And I can put a beatdown on him!! I mean, if you flick him in the foreheard, he'll start to bleed cause of all that scar tissue. Ken and Tito should both retire and go on vacation together or something. Nobody gives a crap about either of them anymore.
  18. KJ-MMA Armchair
    18. Posted by KJ-MMA Armchair Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I don't think Hill's weight is the issue. He was primarily a wrestler and has cut weight for years.
    I think the issue might be something as simple as not conditioning his shins for striking which comes from years of thai pad and heavy bag work (or bamboo if that's your thing).
  19. NickG
    19. Posted by NickG Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think you're right, KJ.
  20. P M
    20. Posted by P M Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:33 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I agree with the liability post earlier. The event insurance is for the immediate care for injuires. Like any independant contractors (fighters, plumbers, self employed) it is up to Corey to get health care coverage. Getting a catastrophic policy that only covers major illness or injury is suprisingly affordable. I have had it for about $100 per month. It only covers major things, so seeing a doc for a cold or a check up is not covered at all, but would cover needed surgeries and rehab.
  21. Nutcracker
    21. Posted by Nutcracker Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I am not an insurance specialist (but being self employed I see how Anthem Blue Cross rapes my account each month and wont cover preventative care, ex. a simple physical, which could save them money down the line, etc etc). I know of one example of a fighter who had a traumatic brain injury from fighting and the insurance had a cap, then the fighter had to fend for himself. So I guess these guys need to get their own personal policy on top of it, and write it off as a business expense... Possible?
    Check video on YouTube, McClellan after Benn fight... It kind of goes into the whole deal.. It is boxing, so you hardcores cover your eyes, and pretend you have heart....
    Beardown.. I drove down from Aspen back to North County yesterday and noticed a bunch of snow in Vegas.. WTF? Is that a sign?? Where is Mags to keep you warm?? : ))
  22. BearDown
    22. Posted by BearDown Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:23 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Nutcracker........I'm with you on the Insurance companies killing the bank account. I have to pay $800 a month for my family (maternity coverage just kills me) and that's down $150 from what we were paying with a different company. If anyone out there can get us better ins. rates with a reputable company, I will give you free UFC tickets for the next two events!!
    The weather here has been crazy this last week. We had SNOW two days and there may be more on the way. Some parts of town got almost 6 inches. It actually is kind of nice to see the mountains full of snow for Christmas but I asked for a Maggie interview/ casting call for Christmas!! Let's see if Santa makes it happen.
    The fighters need to get that insurance that pays you cash which is just as good as money so if you get hurt, it won't hurt to miss work. AFLAC!!!!!
  23. Nutcracker
    23. Posted by Nutcracker Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    BDown,,
    Yeah it was crazy. I was slipping and sliding all the way down the 15 into San Diego County. Never seen snow fall that far south. As for the UFC tickets//// I dont sell insurance, but I got a bridge you gotta look at..
  24. BearDown
    24. Posted by BearDown Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:23 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Nutcracker ..... fire it up

Cagewriter

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

Steve Cofield

Cagewriter is an MMA blog edited by Steve Cofield. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
Maggie Hendricks, Zak Jensen,

Related Photo Gallery

Y! Sports Blogs

Cagewriter Recent Readers