GoFundMe set up for fighter in criticial condition
Impact FC featherweight champion Dan Kiser lost to Frankie Johnson via RNC at No Mercy II in Minn on Sat night; he remains in critical condition following surgery.
Dan “The King” Kiser lost to Frankie Johnson at No Mercy II in Detroit Lakes, Minn last Saturday night, 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.
The Minnesota MMA News reports 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, and remains in critical condition.
His manager Jeremy Bjornberg detailed the terrible news, via Facebook immediately after the fight.
Sadly in lastnight Main Event one of our best friends and clients Dan Kiser was hurt and airlifted to Fargo. Dan isn’t one of the most loved fighters in Minnesota, he’s the MOST loved. He is known for heart, grit, determination and making everyone feel special. Dan is in cricitcal conditon and fighting for his life and showing all the qualities he has to battle thru this like the Champion he is.
Las night surgery was performed to relief the pressure on his brain. That surgery seems to have been successful. Dan is in ICU, he is sedated, but he is stable. There is alot of rumors and speculation so we wanted to let everyone know to keep Dan in their prayers. The outpouring of support has been amazing but not surprising knowing Dan’s character. He is currently not able to receive cards or flowers but we will keep you informed when that changes so everyone that has aked us can send him some more love.
During a extemely difficult time like this prayer and support to Dan’s family is greatly appreciated and sorry if we have not been able to reply to everyone yet. His family, fans, teammates and Coach have been extremely supportive and that does not go unnoticed or underappreciated.
On Monday, Bjornberg reported that Kiser’s condition is improving, via MNMMANews.com
Bjornberg said Kiser was able to open both of his eyes and move both of his hands Monday.
“It’s tough, the doctors can’t tell anyone much because they just don’t know,” Bjornberg said. “Hopefully we’ll know more (Tuesday). The doctors did say it’s a (brain injury) unlike one they’ve ever seen before in a sports injury. So they’re not sure what really happened in there, if it was something else or something that happened during the fight.
“The good news is there’s progress. Dan was responsive, he hears what we’re saying and he’s reacting.”
As of Thursday, Kiser’s father, Dan Kiser Sr. told MNMMANews that his son’s life was no longer in danger.
He is out of the woods as far as fighting for staying here on earth; he turned that hard corner, said the elder Kiser. Now, he’s fighting for things like how much rehab he’s going to have to do. The word the doctors use is ‘deficits.’ How many deficits will he have when this is done? That’s what he’s fighting for now.
The Nevada raised Kiser currently lives in Wisconsin, and trains at Tom Schmitz’s Spartan Martial Arts in Minn.
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.