UFC fighter Conor McGregor has donated £25,000 to a fundraiser for an Irish fighter recovering in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital after suffering “life altering” injuries during a training session.
Dublin MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) featherweight Ryan Curtis suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine on Thursday, according friend and training partner Leah McCourt.
The Belfast MMA star, who is ranked as one of the world’s top female featherweight fighters, went public with details of the incident on Saturday night, launching a fundraiser for her “beloved” best friend.
Sending my support and well wishes to Dublin MMA fighter Ryan Curtis after suffering life changing injury in practice. Here is a link to his go fund me , he has a young daughter and the family needs our support 🙏❤️ https://t.co/a57zcOqHkv pic.twitter.com/qTIhbekLc1
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 14, 2024
She said the father-of-two also suffered trauma to his spinal cord.
“The damage is classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord,” she said.
“He was rushed to the Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery.”
It’s not clear yet where the incident occurred, but the 31-year-old Belfast MMA star said Mr Curtis is currently in the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, with no movement in his legs or left arm.
Yesterday UFC star Conor McGregor posted a video on social media saying Mr Curtis “has a young daughter and the family needs our support.”
The total amount of money raised by the GoFundMe page currently stands at over £100,000.
Mr Curtis previously fought with both the Bellator and Cage Warriors promotions.
“The road ahead is unknown and will involve at least five months of him in hospital, followed by a further period of time with a specialist spinal team,” said Ms McCourt.
“Understandably he is distressed at present,” she continued.
“He is still showing his positive outlook, his determination and mind-set to overcome yet another challenge that life has presented.
Thank you everyone for their support so far. It means a lot to Emma and family. I will try and keep you updated on Ryan’s condition as we learn morehttps://t.co/JH2vrQtnDL
— Leah McCourt (@leahmccourtmma) January 14, 2024
“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 of Ryan’s family and daughter by creating a page to raise some funds to help towards rehabilitation, vital treatment, recovery and supporting his family.”