A tragedy occurred shortly after training this Thursday at North American Jamie Varner's gym. Fellow fighter Sam Young, who was Varner's main sparring partner in his last UFC engagement, had a massive heart attack shortly after the end of his activities.
As if it wasn't terrible enough, the incident happened minutes after the fighters posed for a photo. Varner posted the image on Instagram and commented:
“Today was a very tragic night. Three minutes after this photo was taken, one of my beloved warriors suffered a fatal heart condition and passed away in the ring. I'm very sad, but I will tell you that this guy helped change my life and was my main sparring partner in my last fight! He left behind a wife and two beautiful little daughters. I'm very sad now, it was the first time I saw someone pass away! Don’t live life as if every day is your last because you never know when it really will be!”
Varner (kneeling, in black shorts) lost his training partner Sam Young (bottom right). Photo: Instagram Reproduction
This Friday, Varner posted another photo on the social network, this time hugging his deceased friend. “One of my teammates posted this photo. Five seconds later, Sam fell, I ran to his side and called XNUMX,” said the UFC lightweight. “The penny hasn't completely sunk in yet, but I'm thinking about creating a foundation in Sam Young's name to help his family, young athletes and create awareness of cardiovascular problems. Thank you for all the words and support, I will try even harder to win my next fight and donate most of my win bonus to your family!”
Jamie Varner will face Brazilian Gleison Tibau at UFC 164, on August 31, in Milwaukee.