Zuffa Announces Sweeping Medical Insurance Changes For All UFC/Strikeforce Fighters

In many ways, ufc 129: “St. Pierre vs. Shields” felt like the beginning of a new era. At least, that’s how I perceived it as an MMA fan. But today also marks a landmark occasion that will likely alter the course of the UFC and Strikeforce for many, many years to come. In addition to the news that UFC 130’s scheduled main event is now off the table, another report is also sweeping the internet. Zuffa, LLC has instituted a new insurance policy, and will now be covering a fighter’s medical expenses if they are injured in training. Here are all the details.

To get the full scope of the story, head on over to MMA Junkie. Here’s the summary: a fighter who is signed with Zuffa will now have up to $50,000 worth of medical coverage every year, in order to facilitate their needs should they be injured while training. There are a few strings attached, but not many. As a whole, the new policy is receiving near-universal praise.

I think this is a very bold move for the UFC to take, but I absolutely think it’s the right move. I honestly don’t know if the UFC can afford this type of policy, but I suppose we’ll find out and I honor the UFC for attempting something as far-sweeping as this new policy. It’s no secret that fighters spend far more time training and preparing for a fight than actually fighting, and it’s also no secret that most injuries occur outside of the cage. With this new policy, the UFC is sending a clear message: so long as you’re under the Zuffa umbrella, Zuffa will take care of its own.

I think this policy is going to give Zuffa fighters a lot of brand loyalty, and I think that’s going to be very important heading into the next few years. As MMA continues to grow by near-unimaginable leaps and bounds, the UFC will continue to have to put forth the best fights on the planet month in and month out. And it’s pretty motivating to know that you’re covered even if you get sidelined while training.

Here’s an interesting thought, though. Please don’t mistake me for a conspiracy theorist, but part of me wonders if part of this new insurance plan was conceived as a way to eliminate the possibility of a fighter’s union. Universal, far-reaching healthcare is one of the biggest, clearest goals of any union, alongside better representation and larger paychecks. The UFC just gave its fighters one big reason to never form a union, and I’m not sure how that should be perceived.

In the end, I’m going to say that the ends justify the means. Here’s what matters: if a fighter is injured in training and signs with Zuffa, he won’t have to worry if he can afford to sit on the sidelines and pay his medical expenses out of pocket. He won’t have to step into the cage with an injury because he can’t afford medical coverage and needs his fight purse in order to provide for himself and his loved ones. That’s what matters, and that’s why I fully endorse this new UFC insurance plan.

And what about you, fans and friends? What are your thoughts on this rather surprising bit of news?