Conor McGregor has donated a staggering £25,000 to Irish MMA fighter Ryan Curtis who suffered ‘life-altering injuries’ during a recent training session.
On Saturday, Bellator featherweight fighter Leah McCourt took to social media to ask her followers to support a GoFundMe page set up to help her teammate during his darkest days.
McCourt hopes to raise £100,000 so her friend can focus on his recoveryCredit: @leahmccourtmma – X
McCourt attached a statement that revealed the 6-4 MMA fighter from Dublin had suffered several serious injuries and asked for £100,000 in donations to support his family
It read: “As an athlete and human the unimaginable has happened to our beloved Ryan. He was involved in a life altering incident during a training session on Thursday 11th January.
“Ryan has suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine. During this injury, trauma was also caused to Ryan’s spinal cord.
“The damage is classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord. He was rushed to the Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery.
“Currently Ryan has no movement in his legs or his left arm. The road ahead is unknown and will involve at least 5 months of him in hospital, followed by a further period of time with a specialist spinal team. There is no exact end date to when this treatment will be complete.
“Understandably he is distressed at present, we have limited access to see him. He is in ICU and hopefully being moved to spinal ward when conditions improve. He is still showing his positive outlook, his determination and mindset to overcome yet another challenge that life has presented.
“Ryan will never be able to do what he loves, and fight or train in MMA again. A sport he has dedicated his life to from the age of 11.
“Ryan will be out of work for the foreseeable future and we are trying to take any additional load or stress off Ryan’s family and daughter by creating a page to raise some funds to help towards rehabilitation, vital treatment, recovery and supporting his family.”
Curtis is currently facing an uncertain futureCredit: @leahmccourtmma – X
McGregor sent some money and kind words to his compatriotCredit: @thenotoriousmma – instagram
So far, more than £60,000 has been raised for Curtis in just 13 hours.
Hundreds of people, including Irish boxer Mick Conlan, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, and renowned MMA coach Paul Rimmer, have donated to the cause already.
McGregor gave the fundraiser a massive boost by pledging £25,000 before sending a message to the stricken fighter on social media.
“Very sad news on Curta,” the UFC superstar wrote on his Instagram story.
“The game isn’t worth the risk. Truth we don’t want to speak on.
“Thank God for your little family Curta, keep them tight and God bless brother, get better will you!”
