Young UFC Fighter Dies Suddenly At 34

UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento died after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep, the promotion announced Monday. He was 34.

The Brazilian fighter was found unresponsive. Emergency crews performed CPR, but Nascimento was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the UFC said in a statement. 

His most recent fight was a three-round decision loss at a UFC Fight Night event in June, according to ESPN. He launched his MMA career in his native country in 2011, compiling a 17-4 record before making his UFC debut on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018.

Although he dropped a split decision to Raulian Paiva on the Contender Series, the performance ultimately earned him a UFC contract in 2021, according to the Bleacher Report.  He went on to notch victories over Cody Durden, Jafel Filho, Carlos Hernandez, and Jake Hadley, while suffering losses to Tagir Ulanbekov and Mitch Raposo. During his UFC tenure, which began in 2021, he also earned two Performance of the Night bonuses, the sports outlet reported. He represented the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team from São Paulo and trained with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

Nicknamed “Puro Osso” — Portuguese for “All Bones,” a reference to his lean frame — Nascimento compiled a 22-7 professional record and went 4-2 in six UFC appearances, according to ESPN.

While heart attacks are generally associated with older adults, medical experts have noted a rise in cardiovascular events among younger people in recent years.