14 January 2024 , 21:27
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Irish MMA star Conor McGregor has donated £25,000 to compatriot Ryan Curtis after his fellow fighter suffered career-ending injuries in training.
A crowdfunder was set up for Curtis, who reportedly suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine. The father of one has undergone emergency surgery after what McGregor described as "life changing injuries" and has been forced to end his MMA career.
Curtis had been due to fight Davide Scarano of Italy in his next bout on February 24. That fight has been cancelled, and the Irishman's career ends with him boasting a record of six wins and four losses.
A target of £100,000 was included in the crowdfunder, after Curtis suffered his injuries during a training session on January 11. Following McGregor's contribution, and encouragement from the 35-year-old for others to donate, it has passed £90,000 at the time of writing.
"Sending my support and well wishes to Dublin MMA fighter Ryan Curtis after suffering life changing injury in practice," McGregor wrote on social media. "Here is a link to his go fund me , he has a young daughter and the family needs our support."
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He linked to the crowdfunder, set up by fellow fighter Leah Mccourt, which lists McGregor's own donation amount. Mccourt indicates that Curtis is expected to face "at least five months" in hospital followed by time with a specialist spinal team during a lengthy rehab process.
"Ryan will never be able to do what he loves, and fight or train in MMA again," Mccourt wrote. "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."
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A number of fans praised McGregor for his generosity. "Conor really is a legend" wrote one, with another saying "Conor in his good guy arc".
There were also a number of messages of support for Curtis. "Wishing him strength on his road to recovery," was the reply from one fan, with another writing that they were "Wishing him a healthy recovery".
McGregor himself is due to return to UFC action in June, though the promotion is yet to officially confirm the schedule for his reported upcoming bout with Michael Chandler. McGregor himself announced the fight, which would be his first in UFC since a defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
"Ladies and gentleman, a Happy New Year to you all," McGregor said when announcing the match-up. "I would like to announce the return date for myself. The Notorious Conor McGregor. For the greatest comeback of all time, will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29th. The opponent, Michael Chandler. The weight, Mr Chandler. 185lb,"