Dana White was so touched by the story of a Muay Thai fighter who’s attempting to rebound to the ring after losing his legs in a terrible work mishap in 2015, he opened his wallet and contributed $10,000 … TMZ Sports has actually discovered.
The fighter’s name is John Esposito — and back in December 2021, his life altered permanently while he was doing his task as a roadway employee.
Esposito states he was filling out holes on the side of a highway, when an automobile sped into the workspace and struck him from behind, pinning him versus a trailer. The 30-year-old stated the amputation of his legs “happened on the spot.”
“Halfway through the flight on the medivac, I flatlined,” Esposito stated just recently while remembering the event. “They were able to resuscitate me, though, and bring me back to life.”
John — who battled frequently previous to the mishap — has actually worked relentlessly the last 9 months to return in between the ropes … striking mitts from a wheelchair while he discovers to move with prosthetics.
After hearing of his journey, Liam Tarrant, creator and president of The Muay Thai Project, along with pals Chris and Sarah Romulo, began a GoFundMe to assist Esposito on his roadway to healing.
And, after Tarrant appeared on UFC fighter Angela Hill‘s “Ceremonial Weigh-In” podcast to discuss everything … White wound up contributing $10K to the cause.
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Tarrant informs us thanks to White’s kindness — along with other donors — the GoFundMe has actually currently surpassed its preliminary objective … and is approaching $30,000.
Tarrant states the money will eventually approach Esposito’s healing expenses “in the coming months & years.”
“Fighting is the loneliest sport in the world,” Tarrant stated in the GoFundMe, “but we’re letting our brother know that he isn’t alone on his journey. We’re all in his corner.”