Chris Bonilla, 31, holds an amateur MMA record of 5-3. He also won a title at the 2017 Muay Thai Open Championship and once competed for Glory kickboxing. Unfortunately, after a horrific car crash last year, it seems unlikely that the Californian will be able to compete in fight sports ever again.
According to TMZ Sports Bonilla’s left leg was severed when he collided with a K-rail on 10 Freeway in West Covina, California. Bonilla also broke his clavicle in the collision.
Doctors were able to reattach Bonilla’s leg. However, it is likely that the leg will eventually need to be amputated. Even if the leg is not removed, Bonilla faces life-long mobility issues.
The report on TMZ Sports includes an image of the crash scene and the K-rail. Their report also includes highly graphic images of Bonilla’s injury, both immediately after the crash and after surgery.
Last December Bonilla wrote about the accident on Facebook.
“As most of you may have heard by now, I was involved in a freak car accident that damn near cost me my left leg,” he wrote.
“We were on the verge of amputation until after my second surgery, my pulse increased and my leg showed improvement. 4 surgeries and 23 days in the hospital later… we’re barely getting started. If you could help with anything, it’s very appreciated. Otherwise just light a candle for me & send some good vibes. Thank you to everyone who has already done either!”
as most of you may have heard by now, I was involved in a freak car accident that damn near cost me my left leg. We were…
Posted by Chris Bonilla on Wednesday, December 5, 2018
That post was accompanied by a link to a GoFundMe account which has been set up with a goal of raising $15,000 to help Bonilla with medical expenses. So far that account has raised over $11,000. According to a separate post on Bonilla’s Facebook page, also in December, 2018, he had already incurred $900,000 in medical bills.
Court documents, reportedly obtained by TMZ Sports, show that Bonilla is now suing the California Department of Transportation. In his lawsuit Bonilla claims that the K-rail he crashed into was not properly marked.
The lawsuit states that California failed to provide necessary protections to prevent the types of accidents, and injuries, suffered by Bonilla.
Bonilla’s amateur MMA career lasted between 2010 and 2012. In that time he fought for the U of MMA and Epic Fighting promotions. He also won a featherweight title with the Rebel Fighter organization. His amateur debut was on the undercard of Strikeforce Challengers 11; headlined by Bobby Voelker vs. Roger Bowling. Bonilla’s lone Glory appearance was in March, 2018. There he faced Arthur Estrazulas in the prelims of Glory 52: Los Angeles.
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