UFC fighters help save leg of Aussie MMA fighter Tim Schultz who feared limb would be amputated

An Australian professional MMA athlete will not have his leg amputated after battling a life-threatening infection in Thailand – and receiving assistance from some high profile UFC fighters.

Tim Schultz, a 29-year-old from Brisbane, developed a severe staph infection while at a training camp in Thailand.

He was given antibiotics by doctors to treat the condition, but unfortunately for Schultz they were the wrong kind of medication and his condition deteriorated rapidly over the following days.

The infection was so severe that Thai doctors informed him his leg would have to be amputated, but Schultz wanted to return to Australia for a second opinion.

With rising medical bills and in need of immediate help, Schultz turned to social media for assistance from the MMA community.

‘A severe infection has taken hold in my leg, and its rapid spread is causing grave concern for my health,’ he wrote on a MyCause page organised to raise money for his treatment.

‘The infection has led to a dangerous decline in my blood pressure and blood oxygen levels, posing an imminent threat to my life.’

Noted UFC fighters such as Casey O’Neill, Jamie Mullarkey and Kai Kara-France donated to the cause and helped spread the word.

Jimmy Crute and Jack Jenkins set up a fundraising seminar in Melbourne and encouraged anybody who had means in the MMA community to donate.

So far, the MyCause page has raised almost $76,000 of its $100,000 target, with the help of high profile UFC stars.

Schultz flew home from Thailand on Wednesday morning under medical escort and underwent immediate surgery at a Brisbane hospital.

On Wednesday evening at 9.30pm, a social media post from his account gave an update of his condition.

‘Tim is out of surgery,’ the statement read. ‘The skin has been removed from his shin to upper thigh, and some superficial fascia was also removed. Fortunately, the infection did not reach the muscle, so his leg can be saved.

The infection was so severe that Thai doctors informed him that his leg must be amputated

UFC fighters such as Casey O’Neill, Jamie Mullarkey and Kai Kara France donated to the cause and helped spread the word about Schultz’s situation

With the help of high profile stars, Schultz’s donation page has raised almost $76,000 of its $100,000 target

‘He is in good spirits and expresses gratitude to everyone for their support.’

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday morning, Kai Kara France expressed his relief that Schultz was going to keep his leg.

‘I’m glad he’s getting better and getting the support he needs,’ said the Kiwi.

‘If more people can donate it’d be great – your’e not just saving a life, you’re saving a career.

‘I hope he can recover fully. It will be a crazy story.’

Around one in three people carry Staph bacteria harmlessly on their skin.

It only causes problems when it enters the body via cuts, grazes or medical equipment.

Although healthy people can be affected, those with weakened immune systems, such as due to a side effect of chemotherapy, are more likely to suffer.

Infections are relatively common to MMA fighters, with UFC star Dustin Poirier hospitalised last December with the condition.