A mixed martial arts fighter died after sustaining an injury during a competition in Cicero, a town spokesperson confirmed.
Isaac Johnson, 31, of Chicago, was injured on Friday night during the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium. The town spokesperson said an ambulance was called at 8:38 p.m. to transport an injured fighter to Loyola University Medical Center.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12:01 a.m., and an autopsy was scheduled to determine his manner and cause of death, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said. Cicero police are also conducting a death investigation.
The competition, according to its website, was billed as “the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches.” According to a flyer, Johnson was slated to compete in Heavyweight Thai Boxing.
The event’s promoter, Joe Goytia, wrote in a Facebook post, in part, “I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now.”
“This is a post I hoped to never make , last night one of the fighters in our event Isaac Johnson collapsed towards end of his fight,” he said. “Medical attention was given by medical staff on hand and he was transported to hospital . I was then informed at around 130 am this morning that he didn’t make it . I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now , all I can say is my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates . We will know more as the medical report is released .”