Critically injured fighter improving
Dan Kiser Sr: “When Daniel was taken out of the ring, he was not breathing. He was on a respirator, 100 percent. Doctors say he will have some deficits.”
Dan “The King” Kiser lost to Frankie Johnson at No Mercy II in Detroit Lakes, Minn on May 24, via rear naked choke in the first round. Kiser’s Impact Fighting Championship featherweight title was not on the line, as Johnson failed to make weight.
Kiser was upkicked twice by Johnson, replied that he was OK when asked by the ref, went for a leglock, lost position in a scramble, and was choked. The ref quickly called a close to the fight.
Kiser underwent surgery in Fargo, ND to relieve pressure on his brain.
TwinCities.com has a progress report.
Doctors said his recovery in the first 10 days has been remarkable, according to family members.
Jeremy Bjornberg, Kiser’s manager, said the fighter is off life support and “getting better each day.”
Bjornberg said Tuesday, “Dan is a lot better, moving his hands, he’s awake and talking.”
Dan Kiser Sr. of Fargo said his son had made certain he was insured, but that medical bills will total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“Danny right now is improving … fighting for quality of life,” the elder Kiser said.
Doctors have told the family the next 30 to 45 days will be critical in knowing what his future holds.
“When Daniel was taken out of the ring, he was not breathing. He was on a respirator, 100 percent,” Dan Kiser Sr. said. “Doctors say he will have some deficits. More will be known as the trachea gets better and rehab goes on.
“It is in God’s hands. The doctors have said my son was in great shape … superb cardiovascular condition.”
His manager said he believes each fighter is covered by $10,000 to $20,000 insurance for the MMA bouts.
He admitted, “It won’t be enough.”
Anyone wishing to send a card, is invited to send it to:
Dan Kiser
c/o – Impact Fighting Championship
547 S 7th st # 378
Bismarck ND 58504
A GoFundMe site has been set up to raise money to help Kiser, his fiancée, and their two little girls. The site has so far raised $4,850.00 of the intended $25,000.00.
The Nevada raised Kiser fights out of Wisconsin, and trains at Tom Schmitz’s Spartan Martial Arts in Minn.