UFC and MMA are not just glitz and glamour with blockbuster money-making fights and cheering fans, it’s a stage for dedication, grit, and hard work. From coaches to fighters and family, everyone fights their own matches in their lives while supporting MMA. A display of dedication that transcends the usual coach and fighter relationship, Adam Hicks stood firmly in Sedriques Dumas’s corner at UFC 314 while battling brain cancer.

Hicks, who has been part of the SSI family for 20 years, was suffering from brain cancer since 2024 and began suffering severe headaches. This led to a visit to the ER, and CT scans revealed the news. Despite Sedriques Dumas facing multiple allegations of battery charges and domestic violence, which were dismissed in June 2024, his coach stood beside him and did his work.

The fight between Dumans and Michal Oleksiejczuk was intense and pretty brief. Dumas started at the bout with strong kicks and feint jabs from a distance, but his opponent’s forward pressure and powerful left hand proved to be fatal for the middleweight star, and the fight ended with a TKO stoppage in Round 1.

While Dumas might have lost, the presence of his coach was a strength of a different kind. A. Feldman MMA posted about Hicks and wrote, “Say what you want about Sedriques Dumas—but his coach, Adam Hicks, deserves some serious respect. He’s currently battling brain cancer and still showing up in his corner. That’s a different level of strength .”

He also posted about a GoFundMe campaign that was launched to support the coach with his medical expenses, which have already surpassed the $20,000 goal, raising $20,820 through 140 donations. The MMA community jumped to the comments section to praise Hicks and give him strength through his trying times. However, there was a strain of something else hidden in the comments as well.

MMA community lambasts UFC for the state of their fighters and coaches

Dumas might have lost in the fight, but his coach is getting all the praise and well wishes for his dedication. The courage shown by Hicks proves that some of the most dangerous fights are fought outside the Octagon.

MMA fans were concerned for him and reprimanded UFC for not paying their fighters well. One fan said, “The fact he needs a GoFundMe is a reflection on how sad the state of a fighter and his team are in the UFC.” Another chimed in to reply, “Still… in other sports.. if you’re a rookie.. if you’re on the staff you get medical care. If you’re the average person working at a company you at least get medical insurance… it’s pretty fun– weak that a billion-dollar company can’t take care of its people.”

However, even if there is a dispute with fighter pay in the organization, the UFC bossman has shown his support for fighters facing health challenges. He had previously donated $50,000 for a liver transplant to Tuptim Jadnooleum, the daughter of Muay Thai instructor “Kru Nai” Rattanachai, in 2010. Back in 2021, White had addressed the issue of health benefits and responded to a fan. UFC commentator Karyn Bryant had started an impromptu Q&A on Instagram where a fan asked about full-time health benefits for UFC fighters. The boss responded with, “Soon.”  In fact, during UFC 311, Jiri Prochazka arrived with a shaved head for Ashly McGarity, a fan who has cancer and was inspired by “The Czech Samurai.” Prochazka, along with Dana White, donated  $50,000 each in support of Ashley.

One follower praised Hicks and said, “That’s insanely remarkable and commendable. I hope he beats that fight,” while another said, “Probably wouldn’t need a gofundme if UFC consistently paid their fighters better.” Another MMA fan wrote, “Big respects,” while one netizen chimed in, “God bless him.” One follower was not sure about Hicks’ state after seeing the pictures and clarified, “Oh wow, I was wondering about what was going on.. many prayers for him.” Do you think the UFC  CEO will help the coach? Share your thoughts in the comments.