MMA fighter Isaac Johnson has tragically passed away at the age of 31, just hours after collapsing during a fight in Chicago. Isaac was participating in the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium and was urgently taken to hospital around 8.38pm on Friday, November 22, as reported by NBC Chicago. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was declared dead at 12.01am.
The police are now conducting a death investigation and an autopsy is scheduled. The event was marketed as “the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches.” Joe Goyita, the event’s promoter, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook.
“This is a post I hoped to never make,” he wrote. “Last night one of the fighters in our event Isaac Johnson collapsed towards end of his fight. 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 team-mates. We will know more as the medical report is released.”
Fans expressed their condolences in the comments section, with one writing: “Didn’t know the guy but seen how he had a radiant smile, even moments before falling he smiled, this is the game we play, the man was a true warrior to the very end.”
Another added: “My thoughts and condolences. Something we never want to hear or experience.”
According to the Matador Fighter Challenge website, Issac was due to fight Corey Newell in a Heavyweight Thai bout on Friday.
The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.