Lesnar was always very smart about MMA (and pro wrestling). He wasn't in it to get killed, he just made the maximum profit out of a dangerous sport.
Unfortunately it will be difficult to convince a person who isn't swimming in riches to do the same. Tossing the ball into the court of state athletic commissions won't get anything done either, since they have no real power to prevent promoters from making money off Pat Barry as long as Pat Barry himself needs the money. You must convince Pat Barry that there are other ways to provide for his family, and that's a difficult thing to do without giving him some direction and assistance when needed.
It's a harsh sport that makes a killing based on fighters nearly killing each other. Those involved in the business should have a system in place to prevent potential scandals in the future by trying to take care of used-up fighters a little bit. Even WWE takes of their retired wrestlers nowadays with "Legends" deals among other things, after many years of terrible press caused by the tragic fates of washed-up pro wrestlers.
