21 Dead UFC Fighters

Fighting is obviously a risky sport, the likelihood of head trauma is very real. And yes, several fighters that have competed in the UFC have died.

But you might be surprised to know that most dead UFC fighters passed away for other health reasons. This article will cover all the known deaths amongst fighters who competed in the UFC.

Full List of UFC Deaths

I’ve pulled together a total of 21 names of UFC fighters who sadly passed away too early and sorted them by the most recent deaths:

Fighter	Born	Died	Cause of death	Age at death	Fight Record
Felipe Colares	March 31, 1994	May 1, 2023	Hit by a bus	29	17-4
Abdul-Kerim Edilov	November 25, 1991	December 29, 2022	Suspicious/unknown	31	17-4
Anthony Johnson	March 6, 1984	November 13, 2022	Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma	38	23-6
Elias Theodorou	May 31, 1988	September 11, 2022	Colon Cancer	34	19-3
Rodrigo Goiana de Lima	March 3, 1991	April 21, 2019	Murdered	28	9-3-1
Norifumi Yamamoto	March 15, 1977	September 18, 2018	Stomach cancer	41	18-6-0-2
Tim Hague	May 9, 1983	June 18, 2017	Brain hemorrhage	34	21-13
Josh Samman	March 14, 1988	October 5, 2016	Drug overdose	28	12-4
Amar Suloev	January 7, 1976	June 27, 2016	Stomach cancer	40	24-7
Ryan Jimmo	November 27, 1981	June 26, 2016	Murdered	34	19-5
Kevin Ferguson	February 8, 1974	June 6, 2016	Heart failure	42	5-2-0-1
Kevin Randleman	August 10, 1971	February 11, 2016	Heart attack	44	17-16
Emmanuel Yarbrough	September 5, 1964	December 21, 2015	Heart attack	51	1-2
Corey Hill	October 3, 1978	May 15, 2015	Heart attack	36	6-9
Kevin Rosier	January 6, 1962	April 14, 2015	Heart attack	53	2-6
Shane Del Rosario	September 23, 1983	December 9, 2013	Anoxic encephalopathy	30	11-2
Tony Halme	January 6, 1963	January 8, 2010	Gunshot wound	47	0-4
Justin Eilers	June 28, 1978	December 25, 2008	Murdered	30	19-17-1
Justin Levens	April 18, 1980	December 17, 2008	Suicide	28	9-8
Evan Tanner	February 11, 1971	September 5, 2008	Heat exposure	37	32-8
Gilbert Aldana	August 25, 1977	March 11, 2007	Drowned	29	6-2

To learn more about each of these fighters and the impact they had on the UFC and the world of MMA, keep reading!

Felipe Colares — May 1, 2023

Born: March 31, 1994
Died: May 1, 2023
Cause of death: Hit by a bus
Age at death: 29
Fight record: 17-4
UFC record: 2-4

Felipe Colares tragically lost his life on May 1, 2023, at the young age of 29.

It was said to be an accident where Colares was hit by a bus when returning home from a gym training session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The local fire department were quick on to the scene but his injuries were too heavy and he passed away on the way to the hospital.

Felipe was the feature of the news just a few months earlier for showing heroics by subduing a criminal attempting a robbery using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

He was a young man with a big heart, as he dedicated significant amounts of his own time in the Empoderadas program, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about violence against women and teaching self-defense techniques.

Before his passing, Felipe Colares amassed a record of 17 wins and 4 losses and was a UFC competitor from 2019 to 2022.

He was let go by the promotion after a loss to Chase Hooper at UFC Fight Night 206 and a 2-4 record during his time there.

Felipe moved on to compete with Ares FC and secured a win against Alioune Nahaye in February 2023 before he died.

Seeing a young fighter pass away so young is incredibly tragic, but I hope that the good he did while he was alive will inspire others to follow.

Abdul-Kerim Edilov — December 29, 2022

Born: November 25, 1991
Died: December 29, 2022
Cause of death: Suspicious/unknown
Age at death: 31
Fight record: 17-4
UFC record: 1-0

Abdul-Kerim Edilov passed away on December 29, 2022 in suspicious circumstances, aged 31.

There has been plenty of debate surrounding his death, as Abdul-Kerim was not just an MMA fighter but also a significant figure in Chechnya and notable for his relationship to Chechnya’s powerful leader, Ramzan Kadyrov.

Kadyrov has faced plenty of accusations during his leadership, with alleged crimes as strong as abuse of human rights, targeted torture and assassinations.

Edilov had close ties with the entire Kadyrov family, even acting as a coach and guardian for Ramzan’s children and chief of staff to Kadyrov. Eventually he was promoted as deputy prime minister of Chechnya in 2022.

But the situation sorely fell apart later in the year, when Abdul-Kerim Edilov stepped down from his position after reports that they had personal conflict.

Many opposition to the Chechnya regime claim that their falling out is a direct cause to Edilov’s death.

Edilov was a strong MMA fighter prior to working for Kadyrov, with an eleven fight win-streak leading up to his retirement in 2017, including a victory over Jiri Prochazka.

His final victory was his one and only UFC fight against Bojan Mihajlovic for UFC Fight Night 115.

The Russian had a swift fall from grace after getting so close to the Kadyrov family, with some reporting that he fell into drug use then tortured before his passing.

What adds fuel to the fire is how his Instagram account that included pictures of Kadyrov and his children was deleted.

Now, Khamzat Chimaev appears to fill the place as guardian and MMA coach to Kadyrov’s children and favorite fighter of the controversial leader.

We can only hope that the allegations against Kadyrov are false and Chimaev isn’t anywhere close to facing a similar fate.

Anthony Johnson — November 13, 2022

Born: March 6, 1984
Died: November 13, 2022
Cause of death: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Age at death: 38
Fight record: 23-6
UFC record: 13-6

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away on November 13, 2022 due to a Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Rumble was a formidable Light Heavyweight competitor who had a solid record throughout his MMA career and had notable victories over the likes of Dan Hardy, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Glover Teixeira.

His last matchup inside the UFC was against the legend Daniel Cormier at UFC 210 before he retired.

Johnson moved on to Bellator MMA where he had a fight as recent as 2021 and was victorious over Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros before his passing.

Bellator MMA confirmed Rumble’s death while noting that he had been battling with illness for more than a year. In September 2021, Anthony himself had shared on Instagram that he was facing some health problems.

Anthony left a big mark on the sport and his death only highlighted this with an outpouring of admiration and respect for him from fighters like Daniel Cormier and dozens more.

DC commented how Johnson was an incredibly caring and heartfelt athlete, often reaching out to other fighters to offer them support during their own difficult times and heavy losses.

Anthony had two separate stints of time with the UFC, first between way back in 2007 to 2012 and he was let go after a loss to Vitor Belfort.

But a six fight win-streak at other promotions would see him return again to the UFC where he competed between 2014 to 2017.

Rumble was best known for the excitement he brought to his fights, partly because of his warm and energetic personality but also the knockout power in his hands.

In fact, 17 of AJ’s wins were by KO/TKO!

One fighter that died too young and we’ll always remember for the impact he had on the lives of fans and his fellow athletes.

Elias Theodorou — September 11, 2022

Born: May 31, 1988
Died: September 11, 2022
Cause of death: Colon Cancer
Age at death: 34
Fight record: 19-3
UFC record: 8-3

The MMA world mourns the loss of Elias Theodorou, a former UFC fighter and cannabis advocate, who passed away at the age of 34 after a valiant battle with colon cancer that had metastasized. Surrounded by his family and loved ones, Theodorou’s indomitable spirit shone through even in the face of adversity.

Elias Theodorou, a Canadian mixed martial artist, boasted a career record of 19 wins and 3 losses. He made his mark in the UFC’s middleweight division, where he climbed the ranks to No. 13 before parting ways with the organization in 2019. Undeterred by his departure from the UFC, Theodorou continued to compete and impress, going undefeated in three fights outside the promotion.

In 2020, Theodorou achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first professional athlete in North America publicly known to receive a therapeutic use exemption for medical cannabis. This exemption, granted by the British Columbia Athletic Commission, underscored the important role cannabis played in alleviating his bilateral neuropathy, a condition resulting from nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord.

Elias Theodorou was not just a fighter; he was an outspoken advocate for medical cannabis. He believed in the positive impact of cannabis and its potential to help athletes manage their health issues without fear of persecution or penalties. His advocacy resonated with many, and he was proud of the work he had accomplished in this field.

In an interview with CBS News before his fight with Bryan Baker, Theodorou expressed his pride in his medical cannabis advocacy. He lamented the outdated mindset that classified cannabis as a drug and called for a more enlightened perspective, especially in the world of sports.

Elias Theodorou’s legacy extends beyond the octagon; he will be remembered not only for his fighting prowess but also for his courage in advocating for a more compassionate and progressive approach to medical cannabis use in sports. His optimism and dedication to his cause remain an inspiration to all.

Rodrigo Goiana de Lima — April 21, 2019

Born: March 3, 1991
Died: April 21, 2019
Cause of death: Murdered
Age at death: 28
Fight record: 9-3-1
UFC record: 0-2

Rodrigo de Lima, a former UFC fighter known as “Monstro,” met a tragic end on April 21, 2019, at the age of 28. His life was cut short in a shocking incident that occurred in the Brazilian city of Belém. De Lima had a dispute with a rideshare driver, which escalated to a horrifying confrontation.

According to authorities, the argument between De Lima and the driver took a tragic turn when De Lima exited the vehicle. The driver allegedly ran over him, leading to the fighter’s untimely death. Brazilian police launched a search for the suspect involved in this senseless act.

Michel Prazeres, a close friend and fellow UFC fighter who was with De Lima at the time, confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing. De Lima, a father of two, left behind a 9-3-1 record in mixed martial arts, reflecting his dedication to the sport.

During his career, Rodrigo de Lima had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the UFC on two occasions. Although he faced formidable opponents in Neil Magny and Efrain Escudero, he displayed the courage and determination that defined his career. His last MMA fight took place the year before his tragic death, where he secured a victory by submission against Luiz Fabiano.

Rodrigo de Lima’s life was marked by his pursuit of excellence in the world of MMA. His untimely and violent end serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of life and the fragility of those who dedicate themselves to combat sports.

Norifumi Yamamoto — September 18, 2018

Born: March 15, 1977
Died: September 18, 2018
Cause of death: Stomach cancer
Age at death: 41
Fight record: 18-6-0-2
UFC record: 0-3-0-1

Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, a legendary fighter, and Japan’s beloved MMA superstar during the mid-2000s, passed away at the age of 41. His untimely death was attributed to a battle with stomach cancer. Yamamoto had shared his cancer diagnosis on Instagram in August 2018 and was undergoing treatment in Guam at the time of his passing.

Standing at just 5-foot-3 and weighing 141 pounds, Yamamoto defied physical odds by competing primarily as a lightweight and occasionally as a featherweight, often facing opponents who dwarfed him. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved a remarkable 17-1 record before his initial retirement in 2007. This retirement followed a New Year’s Eve victory over Rani Yahya in Osaka.

Yamamoto’s rise to fame in Japan was meteoric, and he became a rock star-level celebrity with major commercial endorsements. He hailed from a renowned Japanese wrestling family, with his father, Ikuei, representing Japan in the 1972 Olympics, and his older sister Miyuu winning multiple world championships in wrestling. Despite his father’s initial reservations about MMA as a sport, Yamamoto’s pursuit of combat sports led him to Arizona, where he trained with Olympic silver medalist Townsend Saunders during high school.

Although Kid Yamamoto initially pursued wrestling and even announced his retirement from MMA in 2007 to chase a freestyle wrestling gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, his fighting career was marked by numerous achievements. He became Japan’s biggest MMA star in 2005 when he won the Hero’s lightweight championship, defeating notable opponents like Royler Gracie, Caol Uno, and Genki Sudo via knockout.

Yamamoto’s legacy in MMA included a four-second knockout win via a flying knee against Olympic wrestler Kazuyuki Miyata and a victory over 2004 Olympic gold medalist wrestler Istvan Majoros on the 2006 New Year’s Eve show.

Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto’s contributions to MMA and his enduring spirit continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and the fighting community in Japan and beyond.

Tim Hague — June 18, 2017

Born: May 9, 1983
Died: June 18, 2017
Cause of death: Brain hemorrhage
Age at death: 34
Fight record: 21-13
UFC record: 1-3

Tim Hague, an MMA fighter known for his nickname “The Thrashing Machine,” tragically lost his life during a boxing match in Edmonton during the summer of 2017. His journey in combat sports began after he put his teaching career on hold to pursue professional mixed martial arts.

Hague’s fighting career spanned over a decade, where he amassed a record of 21 wins and 13 losses while competing in various MMA circuits, including the UFC. Although his UFC stint ended in 2011, Hague continued to pursue his passion for combat sports. However, he faced challenges, including a concussion that prompted him to take a break from fighting after his release from the UFC.

In what would become his final match, Hague had a last-minute opportunity to fight in Edmonton, and it seemed like a significant moment for the underdog heavyweight. Tragically, this fight led to his untimely death.

During a boxing match at Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre on June 16, 2017, Hague suffered a brain hemorrhage after being knocked out by Adam Braidwood. Hague had accepted the fight on short notice and was knocked down multiple times by his opponent. A devastating left uppercut in the second round left him unconscious. Despite initially walking to his dressing room, Hague lapsed into a coma.

Two days later, Tim Hague was taken off life support, and he passed away at the age of 34. An autopsy revealed that he had “mild, early stage” chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often found in individuals with histories of repetitive brain trauma, such as athletes and military veterans.

Hague’s tragic death had a profound impact on the regulations governing combative sports in Edmonton and prompted calls for improved safety measures. It also drew attention to the importance of protecting fighters from the risks associated with repeated head trauma, highlighting the need for stricter rules and enhanced safety protocols in both boxing and mixed martial arts.

Josh Samman — October 5, 2016

Born: March 14, 1988
Died: October 5, 2016
Cause of death: Drug overdose
Age at death: 28
Fight record: 12-4
UFC record: 3-2

Tragedy struck the MMA community on October 5, 2016, when UFC middleweight fighter Josh Samman passed away at the young age of 28. His death was a result of a probable drug overdose, as confirmed by Dr. Craig Mallak, the chief medical examiner for Broward County, Florida.

Samman had been hospitalized for five days, with two of those days marked by him being brain-dead, before ultimately being declared dead at a hospice. Toxicology tests had been conducted, and the overdose was identified as the likely cause of his untimely demise.

The Hollywood Police Department’s report indicated that on September 29, officers responded to a call regarding a “possible drug overdose” and found Samman unresponsive at a friend’s residence. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he did not recover. His friend, Troy Kirkingburg, also 28 years old, was found deceased at the scene, with the cause of his death remaining undetermined.

Josh Samman’s career in the UFC began in 2013, and he achieved a record of 3 wins and 2 losses during his time with the organization. He also gained recognition as a former contestant on the UFC’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter.” Beyond his fighting career, Samman was a multi-talented individual who contributed written works to websites like Bloody Elbow and UFC. He even authored a memoir titled “The Housekeeper: Love, Death and Prizefighting.”

Samman’s passing was a heartbreaking loss for the MMA community, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges and struggles faced by fighters both inside and outside the cage. His contributions to the sport and his literary endeavors continue to be remembered by those who knew and admired him.

Amar Suloev — June 27, 2016

Born: January 7, 1976
Died: June 27, 2016
Cause of death: Stomach cancer
Age at death: 40
Fight record: 24-7
UFC record: 0-2

Amar Suloev, a former UFC veteran and professional MMA fighter, tragically lost his battle with Stage 4 stomach cancer on June 27, 2016, at the age of 40. His passing marked the end of a tumultuous journey that included a successful fighting career and legal troubles in Russia.

Suloev began his professional MMA career in 1999, competing until 2008. He made his debut under the M-1 Global banner, where he faced Andrei Semenov, suffering a submission loss. Notably, Suloev participated in the 11th edition of the World Vale Tudo Championship, a bare-knuckle tournament, where he impressively won all three fights in a single night. This remarkable performance was featured in one of the earliest MMA documentaries, ‘Rites of Passage.’

During his career, Suloev enjoyed an eight-fight winning streak that earned him the opportunity to fight in the UFC. His debut opponent was none other than Chuck Liddell, where Amar showcased his toughness by lasting the full 15-minute duration but ultimately lost by unanimous decision. He was given another chance in the UFC, facing Phil Baroni, who knocked him out within the first three minutes of the fight, leading to the end of Suloev’s UFC tenure.

Afterward, Suloev continued to compete in organizations like Pride FC, Cage Rage, M-1 Global, and BodogFight, where he fought Chael Sonnen. He retired in 2008 with a record of 24 wins and 7 losses, leaving his mark on the MMA world. Notably, he had a submission move named after him, a variation of the thigh slicer known as ‘The Suloev Stretch.’

However, Suloev’s life took a dark turn after his retirement when he was arrested in 2013 as part of a gang charged with the attempted assassinations of political figures in Russia. He spent three years behind bars and on trial alongside other defendants. After being released on bail in February 2016 due to his diagnosis of stage four stomach cancer, his health rapidly declined over the next few months, eventually leading to his passing.

Amar Suloev’s life was marked by both triumphs in the MMA world and significant challenges outside of it. His passing left a lasting impact, and a memorial was held in his honor in Anapa.

Ryan Jimmo — June 26, 2016

Born: November 27, 1981
Died: June 26, 2016
Cause of death: Murdered
Age at death: 34
Fight record: 19-5
UFC record: 3-4

Ryan Jimmo, a Canadian mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC light heavyweight division from 2012 to 2015, met a tragic end on June 26, 2016. He fell victim to a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a truck driver and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The incident occurred in a parking lot on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Canada, where Jimmo was struck by the truck. At the time of his passing, Ryan Jimmo was 34 years old, leaving behind a promising career and a bright future.

Jimmo boasted a professional mixed martial arts record of 19 wins and 5 losses. During his seven UFC appearances, he secured three victories but suffered four defeats. His final fight in the Octagon took place at UFC Fight Night 67 on May 30, 2015, against Francimar Barroso, which he lost via decision.

The resolution of Ryan Jimmo’s tragic death took nearly two-and-a-half years, finally culminating on December 3, 2018. Anthony Getschel, a 26-year-old individual involved in the hit-and-run incident, received a sentence of six years for manslaughter and an additional two years for fleeing the scene. Moreover, his driving privileges were revoked for eight years following his release.

Despite initially attempting to evade authorities, Getschel turned himself in within 48 hours. While he pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, he did admit guilt to manslaughter and the hit-and-run charges. The sentencing was carried out by Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Paul Belzil, who described the entire incident as “a complete tragedy.”

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson — June 6, 2016

Kevin Ferguson AKA Kimbo Slice — The original uploader was Cottonphotos at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Born: February 8, 1974
Died: June 6, 2016
Cause of death: Heart failure
Age at death: 42
Fight record: 5-2-0-1
UFC record: 1-1

MMA fighter Kevin Ferguson, widely known as Kimbo Slice, met a tragic end at the young age of 42. The details surrounding his untimely demise are both heartbreaking and shocking.

Ferguson was admitted to Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida, on Friday, complaining of severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. Medical examinations conducted at the hospital unveiled a liver mass and congestive heart failure, leading to his placement on a ventilator in intensive care. Unfortunately, his health continued to deteriorate, and he was diagnosed with heart failure. The devastating news was conveyed to Ferguson’s family, who were informed that he urgently needed a heart transplant.

Preparations were underway to transfer Kimbo Slice to a facility in Cleveland, where he could potentially be placed on an organ donor list. However, the MMA fighter passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, before he could be transported.

It’s worth noting that the report confirmed that Slice had no history of illicit drug use, and there were no suspicions of trauma or foul play involved in his death.

Mike Imber, Kimbo’s longtime manager and childhood friend, shared the somber details of the ordeal, revealing that Kimbo had fallen seriously ill during a trip to Germany in March. Although he initially complained of feeling unwell, his condition took a sudden and tragic turn.

Kimbo Slice was slated to face James Thompson at Bellator 158 on July 16 in London, highlighting the cruel unpredictability of life in the world of mixed martial arts. His passing marked a significant loss in the MMA community, leaving fans and fellow fighters mourning his untimely death.

Kevin Randleman — February 11, 2016

Born: August 10, 1971
Died: February 11, 2016
Cause of death: Heart attack (complications from pneumonia)
Age at death: 44
Fight record: 17-16
UFC record: 4-3

Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman, nicknamed “The Monster,” passed away on Thursday night at the age of 44. His death was attributed to heart failure, which was caused by complications arising from pneumonia. Randleman had been hospitalized in San Diego after falling ill, and he subsequently experienced cardiac problems.

Randleman’s family shared their sentiments about his passing on his Facebook page, describing him as a gentle soul and loyal friend who would be deeply missed by those who loved him both inside and outside the cage.

Kevin Randleman achieved a significant milestone in his fighting career by winning the UFC heavyweight title in November 1999. He defended the championship once before losing it to Randy Couture in November 2000. Over the course of his career, Randleman amassed a record of 17 wins and 16 losses, with a UFC record of 4 wins and 3 losses.

Before his MMA career, Kevin Randleman had a remarkable wrestling background, being a two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Ohio State University. He secured national titles at 177 pounds in 1992 and 1993 and was a runner-up in 1991. His achievements in wrestling earned him three All-American honors, and he was inducted into the Ohio State hall of fame in 2004.

Kevin Randleman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and four children. His passing was a somber moment for the world of mixed martial arts, and he was remembered as a legend in the sport.

Emmanuel Yarbrough — December 21, 2015

Born: September 5, 1964
Died: December 21, 2015
Cause of death: Heart attack
Age at death: 51
Fight record: 1-2
UFC record: 0-1

Emmanuel Yarbrough, a notable figure in the world of combat sports, passed away at the age of 51 on December 21, 2015. At the time of his death, the exact cause was not immediately known.

Yarbrough had a diverse athletic background, having excelled in wrestling and football during his college years at Morgan State University. He achieved the distinction of being a two-time All-American in the heavyweight division during his collegiate wrestling career.

After his college days, Emmanuel Yarbrough ventured into judo and began training under the guidance of Yoshisada Yonezuka. Despite his imposing size, standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing over 800 pounds, he became a popular figure in the world of sumo wrestling. Notably, he won the 1995 World Amateur Sumo Championships.

However, Yarbrough’s most enduring claim to fame came from his participation in UFC 3, which took place on September 9, 1994. This event occurred during the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when the sport was still evolving and lacked the structured rules seen in contemporary MMA. Yarbrough’s inclusion in the tournament became memorable thanks to his fight against Keith Hackney, which ended in a TKO victory for Hackney.

Despite his brief appearance in the UFC, Emmanuel Yarbrough made a lasting impression on the sport due to his charismatic personality and his status as the Guinness Book of World Records’ “largest athlete in the world” at one point.

The UFC released an official statement expressing condolences to Yarbrough’s family and friends, acknowledging his unique presence in the world of combat sports.

Following his combat sports career, Yarbrough transitioned into acting, appearing in movies alongside notable figures like Mickey Rourke and Diane Keaton. Additio