Fighter dies in the ring during MMA event in Azerbaijan

Cell phone images recorded medical staff trying to revive a fighter in Azerbaijan. Photo: Reproduction

A national MMA event last week ended in tragedy in Azerbaijan. According to local press reports, 27-year-old fighter Ramin Zeynalov died in the ring as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage, caused by a strong blow to the head.

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According to the “Sportbox” website, he was quickly attended to by the medical team assisting the event, but he did not survive and was declared dead moments later. To the publication, Ramin's father, Aliabbas Zeynalov, said that his son competed in the tournament without his authorization. “My son competed without my permission. We were against his participation in MMA tournaments. He didn’t listen to us, and the result was this: he is dead,” he declared.

The athlete's brother, Rahman Zeynalov, was less strict and even exempted his opponent from responsibility for what happened, but said he believed that Ramin was not capable of fighting professionally. “My brother was an athlete, with 11 medals won, but he was not prepared to fight professionally. I saw the video of the fight and the moment of his death, and there is no one to blame. He voluntarily entered the tournament, even though our parents didn't approve of his decision. He insisted on competing for the prize. Ramin was the youngest brother, and he didn't tell anyone that he was going to participate in the tournament. We found out by chance, and we tried to convince him to give up, saying that he had a family and that he didn't need to do that, but he didn't listen to us. He didn't need the money, and he fought because it was his passion. His opponent was not to blame for what happened, he attacked him without weapons or anything like that, they had a fair fight”, he assured.

According to the Russian website “ToFight”, the event in which Ramin Zaynalov competed was not regulated. Azerbaijani authorities are investigating the case. Ramin was married and had a daughter.