L. Smith removed a tumor that was lodged in his stomach. (Photo: Josh Hedges / UFC)
Fighter Leslie Smith, known for being the Brazilian's first opponent Chris Cyborg in Ultimate, he went through a personal drama in the last few days. She revealed that she had a tumor lodged in her stomach, but she did not have the financial means to pay for its removal. The UFC, upon learning of the case, took the athlete to Las Vegas and assumed the costs of the surgery to remove the benign tumor, as Smith herself declared to the North American website “MMA Fighting”.
“It (the tumor) is gone. I'm very happy with that. I'm debating whether or not to show the video (of the surgery). There's a good chance I'll show you the video. Now, I am 100% supportive of bringing the fighter organization together,” Smith said.
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According to the policy adopted by Ultimate, the organization only has medical insurance for athletes in accidents inside the octagon, that is, injuries caused as a result of fights. According to Leslie, she wants, together with MMAFA (United States MMA Fighters Association), to inspire other athletes to seek their rights with the franchise.
“I'm going to help the most fighters to get maximum benefits. I hope everyone can be involved in this and we don't have competition between groups because I think we can work together. I hope that my experience now serves as an inspiration to other fighters to be true to their hearts and stand up and say what they know needs to be said,” said the American.
Leslie Smith, 34, gained prominence by being the first opponent of Chris Cyborg in the UFC, in the historic 198th edition, held in Curitiba, in May of this year. She has a record of eight wins, seven losses and one draw. In Ultimate she has five appearances, with two triumphs and three setbacks.
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