Maximum Fighting Championship fighter Jesse Juarez suffered a broken arm in his welterweight title bout with Dhiego Lima this past Friday in Edmonton, Canada in the main event of MFC 27: Breaking Point.
Juarez apparently was seen by medical staff in Edmonton, but did not reveal the true nature of his injury before returning to the United States. Because Juarez left Canada before he received proper medical treatment the fighter was left with no medical coverage.
In a statement to BloodyElbow.com, MFC staff had this to say about Juarez’ injury and medical situation.
Immediately after MFC 27 on Friday, Nov. 12, Jesse Juarez was taken by an MFC staff member to a local hospital along with the necessary insurance form so that he could receive treatment.
He was treated and released. However, at no time did he alert anyone with the MFC (Mark Pavelich or Scott Zerr – both of whom he had contact information for) as to the severity of his injuries and that he might require additional care. He elected to leave Saturday morning on his scheduled flight and did not inform the MFC about the extent of his injuries. He finally called on Monday morning after he had already returned to California. On Monday, MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich spoke with his agent Steve Rusich and with his trainer Antonio McKee about Jesse’s situation.
…We were in process of checking with our insurance company about whether Jesse could come back up to Canada for treatment and then we’re told he went ahead and made his own arrangements in California.
Juarez has apparently made arrangements for medical help and it appears that the MFC is doing what it can to help the fighter from their side.
It’s an important lesson for all fighters who take fights, whether it’s outside of their country, or just down the road, having medical coverage and ensuring you understand the limitations of it, can save a fighter time and money in the future.