Stephen Todman after kidney transplant surgery
Stephen Todman to compete in MMA after kidney transplant
It is believed that Stephen Todman will become the first person to go back to Mixed Martial Arts competition after having a kidney transplant, a surgery done to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor, either living or deceased.
The amateur mixed martial artist from the United Kingdom will also be raising money for Kidney UK, the leading kidney patient support charity providing advice, support and financial assistance to thousands every year.
Todman had the transplant in May 221 and was able to go home after five days spent recovering in hospital, according to a report from thee Gazette & Herald.
Three weeks later, Todman walked 12 miles- and he is now more determined than ever to get back to normal.
He believes that one person underwent a kidney transplant before going back to boxing, and then retired shortly after due to level of demand needed.
“My new kidney isn’t protected by ribs or anything, so I do have to be wary about how I’m protecting myself, how I’m moving and what parts of me are presented as a target,” Todman said.
“Intelligent defence is the main thing for me in this.
“Going back to the gym to train felt like I was fighting for my life after surgery!”
Todman’s record is 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest as an amateur MMA fighter and his last recorded fight date was in May 2018, more than four years ago.
Gary Turland, who is promoting the event at Raged UK said: “We kept in touch after his surgery, and I needed a little bit of help on the show. He’s quite a key member of staff with what I had him doing backstage, and I guess it kind of ignited something in him.
“He floated the idea of going back to it, and my first reaction was- no way. He asked again and I spoke to the medical team and they were able to clear him.
“Ultimately, he’s taken it on board himself and knows the risks. But we’re happy to have him back.”
