Northern Ireland

Conor McGregor donates £25,000 to fund for MMA fighter recovering in Belfast hospital after suffering ‘life altering’ injuries during training session

Belfast MMA star Leah McCourt launches fundraiser for best friend Ryan Curtis

An image of Ryan Curtis in the intensive care unit at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, shared by Leah McCourt (pictured inset with the Dublin father-of-two).
An image of Ryan Curtis in the intensive care unit at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, shared by Leah McCourt (pictured inset with the Dublin father-of-two).
By Staff Reporter

UFC fighter Conor McGregor has donated £25,000 to a fundraiser for an Irish fighter recovering in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital after suffering “life altering” injuries during a training session.

Dublin MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) featherweight Ryan Curtis suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine on Thursday, according friend and training partner Leah McCourt.

The Belfast MMA star, who is ranked as one of the world’s top female featherweight fighters, went public with details of the incident on Saturday night, launching a fundraiser for her “beloved” best friend.

She said the father-of-two also suffered trauma to his spinal cord.

“The damage is classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord,” she said.

“He was rushed to the Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery.”

It’s not clear yet where the incident occurred, but the 31-year-old Belfast MMA star said Mr Curtis is currently in the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, with no movement in his legs or left arm.

Yesterday UFC star Conor McGregor posted a video on social media saying Mr Curtis “has a young daughter and the family needs our support.”

The total amount of money raised by the GoFundMe page currently stands at over £100,000.

Mr Curtis previously fought with both the Bellator and Cage Warriors promotions.

“The road ahead is unknown and will involve at least five months of him in hospital, followed by a further period of time with a specialist spinal team,” said Ms McCourt.

“Understandably he is distressed at present,” she continued.

“He is still showing his positive outlook, his determination and mind-set to overcome yet another challenge that life has presented.

“Ryan will never be able to do what he loves, and fight or train in MMA again. 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.”