Irish MMA fighter Ryan Curtis has suffered life-altering injuries after an accident at training on Thursday, January 11.
According to friend and top Bellator fighter Leah McCourt, Curtis suffered a broken back, broken neck, dislocated spine, and damager to his spinal cord.
The father of one was brought to Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery, and he currently has no movement in his legs or left arm.
McCourt has also set up a gofundme page, which you can access here.
Curtis had been training to face Italian fighter Davide Scarano for the Cage Conflict title on February 24.
According to Tapology.com, he has a record of 6-4-0, including five knockout wins, and is the 34th ranked pro flyweight in Ireland and the UK.
7 July 2017; Ryan Curtis, right, in action against Daniel Barez during their flyweight bout at BAMMA 30 at the 3 Arena in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
On her gofundme page, McCourt penned a heartbreaking update and tribute to Curtis, which you can read below:
"As an athlete and human the unimaginable has happened to our beloved Ryan. He was involved in a life altering incident during a training session on Thursday 11th January.
"Ryan has suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine. During this injury, trauma was also caused to Ryan’s spinal cord. The damage is classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord. He was rushed to the Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery.
"Currently Ryan has no movement in his legs or his left arm. The road ahead is unknown and will involve at least 5 months of him in hospital, followed by a further period of time with a specialist spinal team. There is no exact end date to when this treatment will be complete.
"I’m sure you all know Ryan is a dad to 2 year old Kassia and partner to our beautiful friend @emzac. Ryan has the most infectious positive outlook in life and has been through some of the most horrific circumstances always coming out a better human, man and friend.
"Understandably he is distressed at present, we have limited access to see him. He is in ICU and hopefully being moved to spinal ward when conditions improve. He is still showing his positive outlook, his determination and mindset to overcome yet another challenge that life has presented.
"It’s times like this we thank God for the team of family and friends we have around Emma, Ryan and Kassia. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to who Ryan is as a human and how many people’s lives he has made better by simply knowing him.
"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."
