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**The Legend** · 10-08-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMAWEEKLY

In a statement released to MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday night, former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz openly discussed his ongoing bout with back problems and his decision to have surgery to repair his back.

“I have made it though the last eight fights by physical therapy, methylprednisolone pills, and spinal injections for my last three fights,” he recounted. “I took it upon myself to get surgery in hopes that my fight career will jump back on track and I will be back to the explosive monster I always have been.”

He didn’t stop there, however. In his statement, Tito went on to claim that his former employer, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, denied the claims for medical coverage for his back.

“The kicker to this whole story is that the UFC denied my claim for coverage of my debilitating back injury obviously acquired in the Octagon,” he said. “After all of the battling, and allegiance I pledged to them, they now have stooped so low as to not give me the medical care I so desperately needed.”

In response to Tito’s claims, Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC, issued a statement clarifying its position as it relates to a fighter’s claims for medical coverage when competing for the promotion.

“It has come to the attention of Zuffa, LLC (Zuffa) that Tito Ortiz alleges the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) denied an insurance claim following the UFC 84 event. In light of Mr. Ortiz’ inaccurate statements, Zuffa is compelled to set the record straight,” read the statement provided to MMAWeekly.com.

Zuffa continued, explaining its position as the purchaser of insurance for the fighters it employs, but added that does not give them authority over a claim made to the insurance company.

“The UFC does not have the authority to deny or approve any insurance claims asserted by UFC athletes. Rather, Zuffa purchases medical insurance coverage for the benefit of fighters at levels significantly higher than those required by state athletic commissions. The decision regarding whether a filed claim is valid and therefore approved is determined exclusively through the standard review process of the insurance company AIG.”

Source:http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/...=7313&zoneid=2

I don't get why Tito would expect to get medical insurance help from them if he isn't signed to them?

**HexRei** · 10-08-2008, 11:41 PM

Because the injury was incurred during his time with them perhaps.

**cplmac** · 10-09-2008, 12:00 AM

AIG just can't seem to keep it's nose out of the shitter. I don't usually root for Tito but **** AIG.

RaisingCajun · 10-09-2008, 12:19 AM

Poor Tito just needs a back rub from his lovely wife/girlfriend/whatever he calls her.

Jenna just needs a plate lunch.

Holy9 · 10-09-2008, 12:27 AM

Well AIG is out of money, although they did just host a 400k party right after their bailout. But anyways, more he said she said and we'd never really know the truth.

**silvawand** · 10-09-2008, 02:37 AM

Honestly this just sounds like Tito trying to justify him not being the fighter he used to be.

Pathetic, take responsibility for your own failures and get back on track.

**Darkgecko** · 10-09-2008, 08:59 AM

Just like any other large company that insures it's employees, they have nothing to do with it other than paying your premiums, or telling you how much to pay for coverage packages. It's all about providing the proper paperwork and medical records to make a claim.

Audman · 10-09-2008, 09:53 AM

You would have back problems too if you had to lug around a head of that SIZE

**Scarecrow** · 10-09-2008, 10:16 AM

Well, not only is Tito a fool, he's now illiterate? I mean, did he even READ his insurance paperwork? If he knew anything at all he would know the UFC has zero control over what treatments the insurance companies will provide. Tito is always pointing fingers and assigning blame for all the woes in his life, but in actuality it's his own ignorance and stubbornness that keeps hurting him.