Shamar Bailey was a part of the thirteenth season of "The Ultimate Fighter," fought twice in the Octagon, and also fought for Strikeforce and Bellator. While he's still fighting, he also works as a firefighter in Indianapolis and was injured Monday when working on a fire that was the work of an arsonist.
Bailey talked about the fire to Bloody Elbow, and said his injuries were routine.
We had a big fire yesterday involving a three story house. It flashed over on us while we were cutting holes in the roof. While we were cutting the holes, there was an explosion. The fire and smoke heated up to a release point and exploded in our faces. Fortunately, we had our masks on, but I did get some exposure in my chest area and on my wrists, and that's where I'm burnt. We went ahead with business and put the fire out, and I actually didn't realize until afterwards that I had been burned.
The house was considered a total loss, and the Indianapolis Fire Department is investigating the arson. Bailey has a fight scheduled against Gideon Ray in December, and doesn't think the second-degree burns he sustained will keep him from fighting.
Bailey isn't the only fighter who moonlights as a firefighter. Retired UFC fighter Chris Lytle worked as a firefighter in Indianapolis throughout his long MMA career, and Eddie Wineland works as a firefighter, as well.
