2 days ago
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An MMA fighter has died at 31 years old, hours after collapsing during a fight in Chicago on Friday night.
Isaac Johnson had been competing at the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium and was hospitalized at around 8:38pm, according to NBC Chicago.
He was pronounced dead at 12:01am, the report adds, with police now conducting a death investigation and an autopsy scheduled.
Joe Goyita, the event's promoter, wrote in an emotional Facebook statement: 'This is a post I hoped to never make. Last night one of the fighters in our event, Isaac Johnson, collapsed towards the 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 teammates. We will know more as the medical report is released.'
MMA fighter Isaac Johnson has died after collapsing during a fight staged in Chicago
Johnson was billed to be competing in the Matador Fighter Challenge in Chicago on Friday
According to the Matador Fighter Challenge website, Johnson was scheduled to be fighting Corey Newell in a Heavyweight Thai fight.
Away from fighting, Johnson was pursuing a music career in Chicago.
Tributes poured in for Johnson, with one friend of his posting on Facebook: 'This so sad!!! I'm so tired of seeing this! We were just talking about all your future endeavors, boundaries, religion. You had a plan, a good head on your shoulders! Insane!!'
Another emotional tribute read: 'What a horrible situation that unfolded last night. You never want anything like this.
'On behalf of my famiy and everybody at Chicago Fight Team we want to send our sincere condolences to Isaac Johnson and his family.'
The Matador Fighter Challenge website billed Friday's event as 'the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches.'
