MMA stars may be revered for their strength, toughness and courage, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as susceptible to mental health issues as anyone else.
In this article we’ll look at 20 examples of fighters who have battled with everything from depression and anxiety issues, through to schizophrena and borderline personality disorders, including insights into how many have coped with their conditions.
Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson’s long history of mental health problems fully came to light last year when his wife filed a restraining order against him.
Cristina Ferguson revealed how her husband had a “mental break” as far back as 2011 after winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 that lead to him being treated with Risperidone, a medication for schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.
She also detailed several troubling incidents from early 2019, including Ferguson taking his family to the desert with a raft because he thought a great flood was coming; waking her up shouting that she was a witch, and tearing apart their home believing there were hidden cameras watching him.
Ferguson’s wife made it clear she hadn’t been harmed and still loved her husband, but feared that something bad could happen if he didn’t get treatment.
Thankfully Ferguson did then seek psychiatric help, reconcilled with his wife and has successfully resumed his career.
