In an effort to provide more security for the 350 mixed martial arts fighters currently under contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce, Zuffa LLC will offer a new customized accident insurance coverage that will include training accidents as well as fight injuries starting in June 2011, according to a press release from Monday.
“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 said. “We’re pleased to provide coverage that enables our athletes to seek and receive treatment for injuries sustained while preparing for bouts.”
This new coverage through Houston Casualty will include 24-hour worldwide medical life insurance and dental, which may come a few months too late for newly retired UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture who lost one of his front teeth in his recent bout againt former UFC Lightweight Champion Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 last month. As added bonus automobile accidents will be covered as well.
“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 said. “We’re proud to give our athletes access to this type of insurance.”
Naturally, this kind of insurance would benefit all MMA fighters and will add another incentive for smaller MMA promotions to merge with the UFC, just like the WEC and Strikeforce did recently. It remains to be seen, however, if fighters being released from those promotions will be able to maintain their much needed coverage.
Comments