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Cage Fighter Dies Just Hours After Suffering Brutal Knockout In MMA Bout

Cage Fighter Dies Just Hours After Suffering Brutal Knockout In MMA Bout

The fighter tragically died hours after an MMA fight in Brazil

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A mixed martial arts fighter tragically died just hours after suffering a brutal knock-out.

Amazonian athlete Mateus Fernandes is believed to have suffered a heart attack on Saturday night following his bout at the Remulos Fight Night event in Manaus, Brazil.

After reportedly winning the first two rounds, the 22-year-old was struck twice during the third by his opponent Obed Pereira, ending the fight.

Footage of the incident shows the young fighter collapse to the canvas after which paramedics rush to his aid, before being taken to Sao Raimundo Accident and Emergency, for treatment.

CAMMA president Wallace Alves told MMA Fighting: "I'm feeling numb right now, really upset.

"He was rushed to the hospital and had his eyes open the entire time. He was dizzy, but still awake. He was examined in the hospital and then suffered the first heart failure. They tried to save him for two hours, but he ended up dying."

The 22-year-old was reportedly knocked down in the third round and required medical attention.
Facebook/Mateus Fernandes

Fernandes' manager Valmir Dieb accompanied him to the hospital and was by his side when he died.

Dieb said: "I stayed with him from 9.20pm until 11.46pm when he died. There was a full medical team, including a neurosurgeon and nursing technicians, working to save his life but nothing could prevent his death."

Romulo Lobo, the organiser of the event, said it had not been determined yet whether it was the punches which caused his death, instead claiming there were allegations of drug use.

He reportedly said: "We are waiting on the autopsy report from the IML (Medical Legal Institute).

"There have been allegations that Mateus was using drugs before he entered the ring which may have contributed to his death.

"This has not been proven and we are waiting on the results of the examinations to find out exactly what happened and why he died."

Vanderluce Cantuarias, from Formando Campeoes project where Fernandes trained, described Fernandes as a 'rising star'.

She told Acritica: "We're all in a state of shock. [Fernandes] was doing well in the fight.

"But he started out weaker in the third round and his opponent was able to hit him twice sending him to the ground. It was then that we believe he suffered his first heart attack.

"He was our revelation athlete, our champion. He always participated in these events representing us. His fights were fast and he had a promising future. This is such a terrible loss to his family and the sport."

He was regarded as a promising fighter by his coaches.
Facebook/Mateus Fernandes

The night before Fernandes' bout, he published a photograph of the flyer for the event, with the caption: "I have faith in God that it will go right for me tomorrow and it will be one great fight!! Let's go guys."

Organisers of the event have since have expressed their condolences with the fighter's family during this difficult time.

A spokesperson said: "We know it is a difficult time for the family and the organisation is providing all the necessary financial assistance and support to the family."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Mateus Fernandes

Topics: SPORT, World News, Interesting, Brazil, MMA, Health