Parsons team mourns death: “He was hardworking and smiling”

Jordan Parsons (photo) died after being run over in Florida. Photo: Reproduction

The world of MMA lost one of its promises in a tragic way this Wednesday (4). Jordan Parsons, who was part of the Bellator squad (considered the second most important organization on the planet), succumbed to injuries sustained in a run over last weekend and passed away at the age of 25.

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Parsons, who was preparing to fight at Bellator 154, on May 14, was walking in the early hours of the morning in the city of Delray Beach, Florida (USA). While crossing the street, at the pedestrian crossing, the fighter was hit squarely by a silver Range Rover Sport, which fled the scene without providing assistance to the athlete. Parsons was hospitalized for three days, including having his leg amputated, but he did not survive.

Parsons had a discreet record in international MMA, with 11 wins and two losses against relatively unknown athletes. However, the “Pretty Boy”, as he was known, showed that he could one day emerge and become one of Bellator's greatest athletes.

Parsons was a member of the Blackzilians gym, located in south Florida, and had training partners such as Rashad evans, Anthony Johnson, Michael Johnson e Stefan struve. Born in Fargo, North Dakota, the fighter graduated in psychology and moved to Florida in July last year, especially to train at the famous gym.

Before arriving at Blackzilians, however, Parsons built his path in MMA: he won three amateur fights, between 2008 and 2009, and made his professional debut in 2010. He won all of his first seven fights, but lost his unbeaten record in the eighth, when being knocked out by Lazar Stojadinovic, at the CFA 7 event, in 2012.

Then, Parsons resumed his path to victory by obtaining two victories in a row, which gave him the opportunity to make his debut for Bellator. In the new organization, the athlete won his first two fights, with a knockout over Tim Bazer and a submission over Brazilian Júlio César “Morceguinho”. However, he lost again to the experienced Bubba Jenkins, in a tight decision by the judges.

Parsons would return to the cage in the middle of the month, when he would face Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 154. As fate would have it, that wouldn't happen.

Death reverberates among his teammates

Jordan Parsons (photo) died after being run over in Florida. Photo: Bellator

The tragic death of Jordan Parsons had intense repercussions among members of Blackzilians. Several of the gym's athletes paid tribute to their colleague, including some who are prominent in the UFC.

The heavy weight Stefan struve, who is in the Netherlands for UFC Rotterdam, this Sunday (8), was unhappy with the news. “I really can't believe it. A lot of people will miss you. You were always optimistic, with a smile on your face. Rest in peace, brother”, wrote the Dutchman.

Anthony Johnson, considered one of the most important light heavyweights today, also paid tribute. “I’m really, really sorry, brother. We already miss you. Say hi to my grandfather for me and all the other legends in paradise. Keep that smile bright,” said “Rumble.”

UFC featherweight Sean Soriano It was another who left his message: “Rest in peace, my brother. There is no more pain, no more suffering. You never give up! I will always fight with you in mind.”

Parsons' coach at Blackzilians, Neil Melanson, went further in calling for the capture of the person responsible for the hit-and-run. “Whoever did this left him there to die. The entire team is devastated. The kid worked hard and lived clean,” he lamented.

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