UFC head Dana White is paying a substantial part of the costs for a liver transplant for the baby daughter of a well-known Muay Thai instructor.
Rattanachai “Kru Nai” Jadngooluem’s four-year old daughter Tuptim, will be the recipient of the new liver. Jadngooluem teaches in Phuket, Thailand at Tiger Muay Thai, where many professional MMA fighters have trained.
From USA Today: (UPDATE: The story originated from mixedmartialarts.com)
Doctors at the start of the month estimated Tuptim would die by the end of the year without a transplant because of an ailment that prevents bile from being carried out of the liver. Tiger recently started a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 needed for the operation.
White was notified of Jadngooluem’s predicament through an online message board. A UFC employee responded to the plea for assistance with assurance that White would cover the costs. Subsequent logistics were made for the young girl to have the operation.
Payout Perspective:
There are two things interesting about this story. First, this gesture shows the generosity and compassion of White and the UFC. White has not attempted to take advantage of the press it is receiving. From all accounts, they are not making a big deal about the donation.
Second, it shows that White and the UFC are paying attention to what’s written online. Obviously, White and the UFC likely made sure that the story was true to avoid a hoax. But, it shows the forward thinking of the company. Although White chastises internet writers, he still pays attention to stay in touch with his audience.
This is a great story and hopefully the young girl has a successful transplant. The one concern White (and the UFC) may face is what to do about these types of requests. The UFC has the money to pay for hundreds of surgeries to save lives, but how does it approach these situations.
Another question, did White personally pay for the operation or did the UFC?
Regardless, during the holiday season, it is good to see such a great gift.
Very nice gesture on the part of Dana White. I didn’t like the way he was pressured by being singled out by the poster on the “Underground” message board.
Why are my comments being deleted. Did I say something wrong. All I said was that Dana White should not have been pressured. Is that a crime to say that, or is this a special board that does not deserve ordinary MMA fans like me.
That’s a nice gift during this time of year. Merry Christmas!
Donjasjit:
The first time you post, we have to approve your account. This is unfortunately necessary as we get a ridiculous amount of spam everyday. Sometimes it takes us a day or so to check all the new comments and approve any non-spam (typically 5% or less are good).
I don’t see anything wrong with how you voiced your opinion in this instance.
KP
I was watching this unfold over on “The UG” the whole situation was pretty special. It really doesn’t seem like DFW was looking for anything other than helping the little girl. The original post that started this whole scenario lacked tact but apparently it was effective. And as far as I know they (DFW and Co.) responed within the first couple hours of the thread being started.