UFC expands insurance for fighters
Mixed martial artists who compete for the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brand will now be eligible for expanded accident insurance coverage.
Though they are independent contractor athletes, nearly 350 fighters in the UFC and STRIKEFORCE companies will have expanded insurance provided by Zuffa LLC, parent company of the brands.
The coverage will be underwritten by Houston Casualty Insurance Company and complement existing event coverage the company already provides its athletes. The policy will cover accidental injuries suffered by athletes while training, as well as non-training incidents such as automobile accidents
To date, Zuffa event-related insurance has always met or exceeded Athletic Commission requirements and has covered all injuries sustained during competition. After exploring the purchase of “training insurance” for its athletes for several years – much of which was met with difficulty in finding an insurance company willing to insure mixed martial artists – Zuffa officials were able to secure a comprehensive plan through A+ rated Houston Casualty, the company said.
Zuffa will pay 100 percent of the premiums for its athletes.
“Our athletes are some of the very best in the world and we’ve committed significant financial resources to provide them with insurance that complements the gold standard we have set for event-related coverage,” UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said in a statement. “We’re pleased to provide coverage that enables our athletes to seek and receive treatment for injuries sustained while preparing for bouts.”
“As this sport continues to grow, we have been working hard to secure additional insurance coverage so that our athletes can perform at the highest levels,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’re proud to give our athletes access to this type of insurance.”
