Bellator’s Cris Lencioni Fighting For His Life Following A Cardiac Arrest
Bellator’s Cris Lencioni is reportedly in hospital, as the featherweight remains in critical condition.
According to reports, the MMA star experienced a cardiac arrest in June amid training as he was rushed into critical care. His wife, Marca, has been keeping MMA fans up to date on his condition as Lencioni battles this scare.
“This is Cris’ wife, Marca. On Thursday 6/8 there was an incident while Cris was training, and he experienced a cardiac arrest. The athletes at the gym were great and immediately called 911 and did their best to address his needs until paramedics arrived.
“We are currently in another state. He has been under the care of excellent doctors with I and much of his family by his side. We are all hopeful for the progress we know he will continue to make.
“Prayers are always welcome – if your kiddos want to make a card or anything like that, bring it to the gym and we will make sure Cris gets it. We are currently in uncharted territory and taking everything day by day. Thank you for the continued support during this time.
“Some of Cris’ family has started a Go fund me page. I’ll add the link in his Bio but keeping us in your thoughts and prayers is very much appreciated,” Marca
Lencioni is a seasoned veteran with a 11-3 record in MMA. He joined Bellator in 2017, achieving significant victories over AJ Agazarm and Cody Law.
So in order to alleviate any struggles that Lencioni and Marca may be feeling, the Bellator star’s mother has started a GoFundMe page.
So far, the fundraiser has generated over $16,000, which will be vital for covering any medical costs and aftercare. While that may be the case, it is still some way short of the $250,000 target.
Reaching the target will be vital, as Lencioni is also the father to his two-year-old son, Cris, who is already following in his father’s footsteps in understanding MMA.
This naturally raises the question of whether MMA stars should have their medical costs and pensions covered by the relevant organization.
This has been an issue in the UFC, as the fighters are viewed as an independent contractor as opposed to an employee of the organization. As such, there is no automatic right to healthcare.
However, the organization, as per Dana White, does offer some coverage by protecting fighters who are injured in the Octagon or in the run-up to the fight.
This is a step in the right direction as White laid out his intentions for the UFC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy5Gm5Uevbc
“We’ve done so many things in the fight business that have never been done yet, and we continue to do that. Our motto around here is, ‘Be first.’ We’re the first guys ever to have health insurance for fighters.
“We’re the first guys to really do as many events that we do… We’re the first ones to ever open a Performance Institute for the athletes… They get all their supplements here, it’s all free. Training, conditioning is all free. Physical therapy is all free,” White
And yet, this does nothing to address the injuries that could occur years down the line due to long-term damage.
Although it is not clear if these issues extend to Bellator, the fact of the matter is that Lencioni’s fundraiser suggests that fighters are not being adequately protected in the sport.
And that is something that needs to change.
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