Fans only see MMA as an exciting sport. But behind the big fights are mere mortals who put their lives on the line just to give a good show. Given the dangers, fighters sometimes think that the sport isn’t worth the risk.
That was the message of former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor after learning that one of his teammates suffered a freak injury during a training session last week.
Reposting his coach Owen Roddy’s Instagram post about SBG Ireland fighter Ryan “Chaos” Curtis, the Notorious wrote: “Very sad news on Curta. 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 you will!”
The Dublin-based flyweight suffered a severely broken back and neck while training last January 11th.
According to good friend and training partner Leah McCourt, Curtis was rushed to the hospital and taken to the ICU where doctors said he suffered ‘the most severe damage to the spinal cord’. McCourt added that Ryan has no movement in his legs and left arm as doctors continue to treat him.
Curtis is a nine-fight professional MMA fighter who has a record of 5-4 with five knockout wins. He last fought for Cage Warriors 153 in Dubin where he lost via technical submission to Nicolas LeBlond.
Chaos once fought for Bellator MMA where he recorded a first-round knockout of Luis Gonzalez at Bellator 217 in 2019. He had a scheduled bout against Davide Scarano at Cage Conflict 12 on February 24. But Curtis will no longer be able to fight again.
In the aftermath of Curtis’ unfortunate injury, McCourt has started fundraising via GoFundMe for Ryan’s treatment. Currently, a total of £128,832 (~$248,360 AUD) has been raised with McGregor as the top donor with £25,000 (~$42,358 AUD).
The Notorious also shared the GoFundMe via social media and asked his supporters to help his teammate in this time of need.