Fighter breaks leg, out a year, has $60,000 bill

There are now two different groups trying to organize UFC fighters into a union, but problems in MMA are not – by any means what so ever – limited to the UFC. Deivison Ribeiro broke his leg at Titan FC 39. The Florida commission requires promoters to have $20,000 in accident insurance, which Titan did. This will cover a broken nose nicely in the United States of America, but a badly broken leg, not so much. Ribeiro now owes $60,00 beyond the amount paid by the mandatory insurance, and he can’t fight to earn income.

https://twitter.com/MMAFA/status/800835217212612608

“>@TitanFighting pic.twitter.com/pyYq85siE4

— MMAFA (@MMAFA)

After world title bout for Titan, Deivison Ribeiro “was left with a broken leg and $60k in unpaid medical bills.” #MMAFA@TitanFightingpic.twitter.com/pyYq85siE4

— MMAFA (@MMAFA) November 21, 2016

“>November 21, 2016

“Almost $60,000 still needs to be paid,” said Ribeiro to MMAjunkie. “They’re putting pressure on me, sending my name to collections. I contacted the owners of Titan FC. When we finally talked, they said their insurance only covered $20,000.

In short, the bill is mine, and not their problem. They suggested starting a GoFundMe page to raise the money from my fans, and from whomever takes pity on me. I can walk again. I don’t want to take advantage of donations, when the bill should go to the promotion or the insurance company.

Ribeiro’s manager Alex Davis is actively working with Titan CEO Jeff Aronson and COO Lex McMahon to seek resolution. Aronson even offered to assist Ribeiro out of pocket with immediate expenses and is committed to finding a solution.

It’s a really unfortunate situation, we have been talking with Lex, who has been proactive, said Davis. Titan agreed to set up a GoFundMe and is working with their insurance company trying to handle the issues.”

Titan also carried $1,000,000 in general liability which McMahon hopes can help make up the shortfall. Titan will also be setting up and contributing to the GoFundMe campaign, which is not live as of the time of this writing.

Ribeiro says his circumstance highlights the need for unity in the mixed martial arts world. While it is easy to finger point at promoters, the return from regional fight promotions is not ordinarily such that $60,000 is lying around. An obvious place to improve is the state insurance; $20,000 is evidently too low for a broken leg, and worse things can happen in our sport than a broken leg.