Dana White Makes A Claim About UFC Fighter Insurance That Might Not Be True
Dana White Makes A Claim About UFC Fighter Insurance That Might Not Be True
Or Injury Insurance Doesn't Equal Health Insurance
Welcome to the latest C’mon Now newsletter. This is the place where I’ll share my thoughts on all the goings-on in MMA. Those thoughts could range from media criticism to advice for folks looking to get into MMA writing to why certain fighters or managers are not good for the sport.
Today it’s all about Dana White’s claim that fighters have health insurance. That and some bonus material you can get your hands on for cheap.
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Let’s look at a claim UFC president Dana White made on Wednesday when he spoke to TSN.
“First of all, you know this, you’ve been around the sport long enough, all of our athletes have health insurance, but in these crazy times, I’m hearing that hospitals are backed up or whatever, if any of my employees or any of my guys need help we’re here for 'em. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that everyone gets taken care of.”
When the UFC announced the injury insurance for fighters in 2011 the press release said, in part:
“Never before has a combat sports promoter provided coverage to nearly 350 athletes, and this unprecedented policy will cover accidental injuries suffered by athletes while training, as well as non-training incidents such as automobile accidents.”
I added the bold above to point out what the policy actually says. That is not health insurance. That is training camp insurance and it does not cover illness.
Now, could things have changed since 2011? Sure, but don’t you think the UFC would have made an announcement if it covered all its fighters with health insurance? I’m 99.9 percent sure that would have warranted a press release because that would be a big deal, especially considering the fighters are not employees, but independent contractors.
It seems as if White tried to pull a fast one in his interview with TSN. I hope I’m wrong and the UFC offers its fighters health insurance, but I don’t think I am wrong.
Okay, I have a Patreon now and what that does is offer you access to these newsletters and the podcast as soon as I get them wrapped up. So, no need to wait until 6 am ET to get them via email. One other thing I am going to provide over there is access to some reading, watching and listening suggestions for you. I’ll try and get you hooked on those suggestions in the next few newsletters and hopefully you’ll join the Patreon. There’s no minimum or limit, so contribute what you like, if you like.
Watch:
Best movie Orson Welles ever made. The opening shot is amazing and it has a great cast.
Listen:
Paul Kopasz died this week. Better known as Paul K, he recorded a ton of material. It’s all worth listening to. For my money, “A Wilderness of Mirrors” is his best work. It’s a soundtrack to a nonexistent movie. It’s a wild ride. Paul K is one of the most underappreciated singer/songwriters of the past 50 years.
Read:
If you want to know why the New York State Athletic Commission might be a little more hands on than others, this could explain a lot.
A Fighter’s Hour of Need - “Out into the yellow-bruise hall. Down the steps. Across the arena floor, a hood shielding Mago’s aching, puffed face. Through the doors and into the concrete cacophony of Eighth and 33rd. He takes a knee a few yards from a television satellite truck that has just shared his loss to the world, and now he is vomiting.
“Hold on, brother,” his younger brother says.
