OKC Police Officer, UFC Fighter On The Road To Recovery After Car Accident

Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Matt Grice has won his fair share -- but none as remarkable as the fight for his life.

Wednesday, January 8th 2014, 6:41 pm

By: News 9


Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Matt Grice has won his fair share -- but none as remarkable as the fight for his life.

"I don't remember the crash at all," Grice said.

Grice defied the odds. Doctors were not optimistic he would survive traumatic brain injuries he suffered in a car accident on Sept. 8, 2013. A distracted driver barreling 65 mph slammed into the back of Grice's jeep as it sat idle at a red light in Shawnee.

The known UFC fighter and Oklahoma City Police officer was rushed to OU Medical Center for emergency surgery. Prayers came in from across the country following his accident. Grice remained in a medically-induced coma for a month. Waking up in the hospital terrified Grice.

"I didn't remember anything, not being married, kids, or anything. I just remember breaking down crying when they explained it to me."

Grice began reviewing pictures of his wife, Caroline and their two children.

"I just started balling right there on the table I was laying on."

Slowly, Grice began to remember.

"It just scared me to death. How could something just take your memory away like that?"

9/9/2013 Related Story: OKC Police Officer Fights For Life After Off-Duty Crash

With only his long term memory intact, Grice's family offered reassurance and he began the slow process of recovery.

"There's been a lot of hard time," said Caroline Grice.

Caroline described the pain of watching her husband suffer from the brain injury.

"There has been a lot of miracles too, I think that is what has kept me going."

At first, Grice was confined to a wheel chair, his speech was garbled, and his scars were a visible reminder of the tragedy to his children who are emotionally struggling with all Grice has endured.

"We were constantly in prayer and would just pray over him every day," Caroline Grice explained the family would rotate through in shifts so he was never alone.

Grice said the support from his family, friends, and even strangers motivated him.

"Prayers, God is the whole reason I am still here and it is just amazing have all of that support."

Now, Matt Grice is being called a walking miracle, proving once again, he's a fighter.

"I am just looking forward to trying to get back to me and being there for my wife and kids. That is my main thing, just getting better and moving on with my life."

Grice plans to return work with the Oklahoma City Police Department. He said the support from OCPD has been amazing. He would also like to return to UFC fighting, but only if doctors allow it. He said he is not willing to risk something taking him away from his family again.

In the meantime, he plans to also return to work at his gym and help train other fighters interested in joining in the UFC.

Grice said he has no ill will toward the driver who caused the crash and was happy to learn everyone in that vehicle is safe to date.

9/8/2013 Related Story: OKC Police Officer, MMA Fighter Critical After Crash In Pott. Co.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

January 8th, 2014

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024