UFC announces accident-insurance coverage for all 350 contracted fighters(dayum)
by Dann Stupp on May 09, 2011 at 1:15 pm ET mmajunkie
In a room packed with hundreds of mixed martial arts' top athletes, the long-awaited announcement was met mostly with relief.
Officials from Zuffa LLC, the UFC and Strikeforce's parent company, today announced all of its contracted fighters now get accident-insurance coverage. The company's fighters learned of the additional coverage today at the four-day "fighter summit" in Las Vegas.
That means training injuries – which are costly and not previously covered by their independent-contractor agreements – will be picked up by the organization.
"Our athletes are some of the very best in the world, and we've committed significant financial resources to provide them with insurance that complements the gold standard we have set for event-related coverage," UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta stated in today's announcement. "We’re pleased to provide coverage that enables our athletes to seek and receive treatment for injuries sustained while preparing for bouts."
Officials didn't state how much the additional coverage for the approximately 350 fighters will cost the company, but a media call is planned for this afternoon.
Sticking with requirements by the regulatory state-athletic commissions, Zuffa LLC previously covered all injuries sustained during fight night. But pre-fight camps, which often produce a myriad of injuries, weren't covered. That often left fighters, who were banking on needed paydays, unable to compete, unpaid, and likely saddled with thousands of dollars of expenses.
After all, getting any type of year-round healthcare insurance is all but impossible for a professional fighter. (In fact, many fighters have trade/sponsorships deals with their local physicians to get basic services.)
The UFC's new policy adds 24-hour worldwide medical-life insurance and dental coverage, as well as emergency medical evacuation. Zuffa will pay 100 percent of all premiums to its partner, Houston Casualty, while employing a fulltime claims processor in house.
"As this sport continues to grow, we have been working hard to secure additional insurance coverage so that our athletes can perform at the highest levels," UFC president Dana White stated. "We're proud to give our athletes access to this type of insurance."
