A 31-year-old MMA fighter has sadly passed away shortly after he collapsed during a match in Chicago.
Isaac Johnson, a local resident, was injured towards the conclusion of a bout at the Matador Fighter Challenge held at Cicero Stadium. An ambulance was called at 8.38pm on Friday, November 21, to attend to him.
The fighter was declared dead at 12.01am at Loyola University Medical Center, according to a report by NBC.
Authorities, including the Cook County medical examiner and local police, are conducting an investigation into Johnson’s unexpected death, and an autopsy is set to take place.
The event that Johnson participated in was described on its website as “the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches.”
Alongside his ambitions in MMA, Johnson, who was from Chicago, was also known to be pursuing a career in music as a rapper. He was married and had a daughter.
Joe Goytia, the promoter of the Matador Fighter Challenge event, expressed his devastation on Facebook: “I don’t have the words to express how I feel right now.”
Goytia mentioned that Johnson received medical assistance from the event’s medical team while waiting for the ambulance. His post further stated: “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.
“Medical attention was given by medical staff on hand and he was transported to hospital. I was then informed at around 1.30 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.”
Goytia also mentioned that Johnson had cleared a physical examination prior to the match. Sources informed Fox 4 that this was Johnson’s first Thai boxing match.
According to Sun reports, an autopsy conducted on Johnson on Saturday night did not reveal a conclusive cause of death, necessitating further medical tests.
Many MMA fans have shared tributes to Johnson on the event’s social media posts, with one stating: “My thoughts and condolences. Something we never want to hear or experience.”
Others described him as ‘a true warrior to the very end,’ while another commented, ‘I can’t even express my sorrow.’
“In this game you never know! Prayers to you the staff and the family! Rest easy warrior!” expressed another mourner.