In a heartbreaking development in the ongoing UFC class action lawsuit, Lee vs. Zuffa, several veteran stars have come forward with sobering accounts of their struggles in the aftermath of their MMA careers. The lawsuit, which could potentially result in a $375 million settlement, has shed light on the dire circumstances many former UFC stars face.
Shane Carwin, former UFC interim heavyweight champion, revealed his inability to maintain steady employment despite his engineering degree. He expressed desperate need for the settlement funds to cover basic living expenses and obtain necessary healthcare.
“Despite having a degree in engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, I have been unable to maintain adequate focus to hold down an engineering job. I face serious challenges in meeting basic everyday expenses for food, shelter, and transportation and in basic life skills necessary to function…. These funds would also allow me to obtain the healthcare I need and keep a roof over my head and food on my table. The sad reality is that ten years from now may be of no use to me. I desperately need these funds now.” Declaration of Shane Carwin, at ¶7-8 (attached at Exhibit 12 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
Wanderlei Silva also contributed a statement:
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries, including concussions. I fear that during my career I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE including depression, mood swings, and irritability…. I suffer from sleep apnea and have difficulty sleeping and breathing. That I can recall, I have had four surgeries on my nose, 1 on my face, 2 on my left knee, 1 on my right knee and 1 on my elbow…. These funds would also allow me to obtain the healthcare I need and keep a roof over my head and food on my table. The sad reality is that funds years from now may be of no use to me. I desperately need these funds now.” (attached at Exhibit 9 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).. “these funds with my family now.” Declaration of Wanderlei Silva, at ¶6-7 (attached at Exhibit 10 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
John Howard shared a tragic story involving his daughter’s gun violence injury, emphasizing the urgent need for settlement money to provide long-term care and support his family’s daily needs.
Jorge Rivera’s statement highlighted the common issue of lack of health insurance among former fighters, leaving many unable to afford essential medical care for injuries sustained during their careers.
Nate Quarry, a consistent advocate for fighters’ rights, acknowledged the difficult position many class members find themselves in. While understanding the potential for greater change through continued litigation, he recognized the immediate financial needs of his fellow fighters.
Perhaps most alarmingly, UFC legend Vitor Belfort detailed the lasting impact of his fighting career, including fears of traumatic brain injury and symptoms consistent with CTE. His account paints a grim picture of the long-term health consequences many fighters face.
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered a significant injury to my knee during a bout that was never fixed. My knee and leg are still crooked and do not have full range of motion, and it still causes incredible and debilitating pain. My insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries, and I desperately needs [sic] these funds to alleviate unbearable pain I live with daily. I also live in Beijing, China, far away from my daughter in Brazil, and care for my elderly mother in Brazil. Funds from this settlement will make it easier for me to visit my daughter and to provide a better life for her.” Declaration of Fernando Bruno, at ¶6 (attached at Exhibit 6 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“I do not have health insurance and have not been receiving the necessary care to maintain my health due to the expenses of health care which I cannot afford. … I have 5 children including two sets of twins and take care of my elderly parents in Brazil. Funds from this settlement would also enable me to start a social project in Brazil teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu to underprivileged children.” Declaration of Iuri Alcantara, at ¶6-7 (attached at Exhibit 7 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“I do not have health insurance, and my family does not have health insurance. During the pandemic, without the support of our trainer, my family would have been without basic necessities including food. My family desperately need these funds now.” Declaration of Johnny Eduardo, at ¶7 (attached at Exhibit 8 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“Currently, I face serious challenges in meeting basic everyday expenses for food, shelter, and transportation and I am living paycheck to paycheck. I travel around teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu and my income is unstable and unpredictable. The funds from this settlement would assist me in living day to day. These funds may also enable me to buy a small property to lease for my children.” Declaration of Luis Ramos, at ¶6 (attached at Exhibit 9 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“Due to the strain of my current health limiting my everyday activity from working consistently, I’ve been relying on a friend who, through God’s provision, has generously sponsored my essential needs, including food and shelter, while I await the settlement of this case. Without this support, I would likely need to file bankruptcy and apply for disability to manage my basic living and healthcare needs.” Declaration of Cung Le, at ¶10 (attached at Exhibit 11 to the Supp. Joint Decl.) (Le Class Representative).
“Last year, my daughter was the victim of gun violence that will require substantial long-term care for her survival and well-being. My family needs the funds from this settlement desperately to care for our daughter and to assist in day-to-day living expenses.” Howard Decl. ¶6 (attached at Exhibit 13 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries including … concussions which later ended my career. I fear that during my career I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI including depression, headaches, mood swings, and irritability…. Funds from this settlement would enable me to focus on restoring my brain health and I would acquire a hyperbolic chamber and look to purchase a home.” Declaration of Heather Jo Clark, at ¶7 (attached at Exhibit 14 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“The funds received from this settlement will allow me to obtain the physical therapy and medical treatment I need after substantial damage incurred while competing at the highest level.” Declaration of Todd Duffee, at ¶6-7 (attached at Exhibit 15 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“I do not have health insurance and have not been receiving the necessary care to maintain my health due to the expenses of health care which I cannot afford.” Declaration of Jorge Rivera, at ¶6 (attached at Exhibit 16 to the Supp. Joint Decl.).
“Without medical insurance provided by the State of Oregon, I would be unable to afford my significant medical expenses. I understand that many fighters who had shorter MMA careers likewise took a toll on their bodies, lack medical insurance.” Declaration of Nathan Quarry, at ¶6 (attached at Exhibit 17 to the Supp. Joint Decl.) (Le Plaintiff).
