D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
UFC President Dana White said brain damage is just a small part of the job for those who compete in combat sports. The topic has been addressed following a publication by the North American website 'MMA fighting', which detailed the problems of former Ultimate athlete, Spencer Fisher. In the article, the fighter exposed difficulties with memory loss, speech, dizziness and depression, diagnosed as – Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), or, in free translation, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
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Asked about Spencer's battle against CTE, Dana White, in a conversation with the press (transcribed by MMA Junkie), said the conditions are part of the sport and also claims he is dealing with his own brain issues, stemming from his past boxing training.
“We are all learning every day about brain injuries. We have invested in this Lou Ruvo Center to try to find out more about this. (…), but listen, (Fisher) isn't the first and he definitely won't be the last. This is a contact sport, and everyone who ever fought when they were younger, myself included, is dealing with brain issues. It's just part of the show”, said the 'boss'.
Earlier this month, UFC donated US$1 million (around R$5 million at current prices) to the clinic Lou Ruvo, in Las Vegas, who researches treatments for degenerative brain diseases. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is progressive and caused by repetitive and/or severe blows to the head. It is also common in other sports, such as American football and ice hockey, for example.
Spencer Fisher, 44, is retired from MMA. The North American competed between 2002 and 2012 and had 17 fights in the UFC. He ended his career with a record of 24 wins and nine losses.
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