Insurance-Less Joe Stevenson Heads To Mexico, Still Wants Gomi Fight |
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DCRage
Representin' The MA's
Career record: 453-339
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: Maryland
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This past Friday, UFC lightweight Joe Stevenson postponed an interview with MMAjunkie.com about his career plans. Why? He was headed across the border to Tijuana, Mexico. No, he didn't get a good deal on prescriptions, hit the club scene, or pick up some kitsch. He went because he didn't have health insurance, and X-rays on his knee proved cheaper across the border. Stevenson was supposed to face Takanori Gomi this past Sunday in San Diego at UFC on Versus 2. However, he was forced to withdraw when he tweaked his knee in training five weeks prior to the bout. Gomi instead took on Tyson Griffin and knocked him out with a wicked right hand in the first round of the Versus-televised bout. Despite the cancellation, Stevenson still badly wants the Gomi fight and hopes both the UFC and fans want to see him take on the Japanese star. He plans to call matchmaker Joe Silva to throw his name in the hat of possible future opponents. However, Stevenson's X-ray technician in Tijuana said he may have a partial tear of his LCL (lateral collateral ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament). Regardless, he believes he doesn't need surgery. And if he doesn't need surgery, he wants to fight. Stevenson is just one of many fighters who doesn't have health insurance and meets his health needs by hook or by crook while often relying on a network of friends and sympathetic professionals to receive medical care.
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Post #1 8/3/10 6:28:26
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tallica62
Belt Contender
Career record: 866-549
Season: 8-3 (#1269)
Location: San Diego
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I'll preface this with saying I have no idea how it really works behind the scenes, but if the UFC wants the best for their fighters and looks out for their health, don't you think some kind of insurance plan would be part of the package?
or even if you are going to be a fighter, id say its pretty wise to make sure you have health insurance..even if you are paying it yourself...
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Post #2 8/3/10 8:49:00
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ace_of_god
Learning to Sprawl
Career record: 133-99
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: Canada
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Posted by tallica62
I'll preface this with saying I have no idea how it really works behind the scenes, but if the UFC wants the best for their fighters and looks out for their health, don't you think some kind of insurance plan would be part of the package?
or even if you are going to be a fighter, id say its pretty wise to make sure you have health insurance..even if you are paying it yourself...
I can imagine the premiums would be extraordinary if you put down on your health insurance form under employment "Getting hit in the face repeatedly"
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Post #3 8/3/10 9:47:32
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lohmann
A Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu
Career record: 838-467
Season: 8-3 (#175)
Location: United States
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Posted by tallica62
I'll preface this with saying I have no idea how it really works behind the scenes, but if the UFC wants the best for their fighters and looks out for their health, don't you think some kind of insurance plan would be part of the package?
or even if you are going to be a fighter, id say its pretty wise to make sure you have health insurance..even if you are paying it yourself...
I think the UFC pays all doctor bills resulting from fights but will not pay (and can not legally pay) for the bills resulting from training camps, etc. (unless you're Brock Lesnar).
Last edited 8/3/10 10:57 by lohmann
Edit note/reason: n/a
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Post #4 8/3/10 10:55:00
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Caesarrrr
Standup Guy
Career record: 65-57
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: Georgia
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I agree with the idea of the UFC being able to do a little more though. Hell, stevenson is getting by with help from friends. The UFC can set up a fund of about 50,000 a year, and forward some money to their fighters when they need it. Worst comes to worst, you then take that out of their future purse. There is a way to make things better for fighters, the UFC just has to pursue it.
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Post #5 8/3/10 11:33:41
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RearNakedJoke
In Full Mount
Career record: 721-522
Season: 7-3 (#1361)
Location: Florida
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Posted by Caesarrrr
I agree with the idea of the UFC being able to do a little more though. Hell, stevenson is getting by with help from friends. The UFC can set up a fund of about 50,000 a year, and forward some money to their fighters when they need it. Worst comes to worst, you then take that out of their future purse. There is a way to make things better for fighters, the UFC just has to pursue it.
Maybe Joe didnt ask?
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Post #6 8/3/10 12:52:35PM
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Caesarrrr
Standup Guy
Career record: 65-57
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: Georgia
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I respect the idea of needing to ask, but in some instances, it's common sense to figure it out. Joe is publicly talking about how he can't afford things in the U.S, the UFC shouldn't wait for someone to ask, they should have some money set aside specifically to help fighters. In the long run, it develops better relations with fighters, and it also helps ensure a fighter returns in top form, which benefits the UFC.
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Post #7 8/3/10 3:53:30PM
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noahgenda
Standup Guy
Career record: 240-139
Season: 6-5 (#1418)
Location: Grand Rapids
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lol, a $50,000 health fund would last 2 surgeries
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Post #8 8/3/10 4:08:09PM
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BustedKnuckle
MMA Sensei
Career record: 556-323
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: The Flip Side
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The problem isn't the UFC it is the crooked doctors and insurance firms. I am not going to rant but it is what it is
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Post #9 8/3/10 5:33:34PM
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Caesarrrr
Standup Guy
Career record: 65-57
Season: 0-0 (#-)
Location: Georgia
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I'll agree there are problems with healh care, but the UFC could do more.
The surgeries needed by most fighters would cost around 5-9 k per surgery, and the ufc wouldn't have to pay for it all. They could say you match us, we'll take it out of your next few fight purses. It's not a difficult concept, to me.
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Post #10 8/3/10 7:48:06PM
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jae_1833
Heavyweight Champ
Career record: 906-568
Season: 8-3 (#667)
Location: Cali
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This is a long and old argument, I am one that thinks if you sign a guy to a 4 fight 2 year contract then you should supply the med insurance he needs to work for you during that time. If you want real good health insurance you have to either pay for it or move to Canada, and no self respecting red blooded American would consider the latter as a real option. 
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Post #11 8/3/10 11:45:09PM
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