Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:25 pm EST
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.
Cagewriter is an MMA blog edited by Steve Cofield. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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24 Comments
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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
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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).
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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).
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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?? : ))
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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!!!!!
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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..
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