2016 is marked by tragedies in MMA; remember the cases

R. Jimmo was killed after an intentional run-over in Canada

The first half of 2016 has been marked by several tragedies involving Brazilian and international MMA figures. At least six professional fighters from prominent events, plus a Brazilian referee, lost their lives unexpectedly in the first months of the year.

In January, referee Alessandro Souza, 46, died after suffering a motorcycle accident in Rio de Janeiro. At the time, Souza, who also worked at the Jungle Fight, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a tree, dying a few hours later. He left a wife and a three-year-old son.

The following month, former UFC champion Kevin Randleman, 44, died after complications from pneumonia in the United States. “The Monster”, as he was known, had already faced names like Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Mauritius Shogun, Chuck Liddell, Pedro Rizzo, among others.

See too

Former UFC fighter Ryan Jimmo dies after traffic dispute in Canada

MMA world reacts with outrage to Jimmo's death

Bellator fighter Kimbo Slice dies at 42 years old

Fighter who was run over fails to resist and dies in the USA

Fighter dies after being knocked out by McGregor's partner

In April, another tragedy was directly linked to the practice of MMA fights. Portuguese João Carvalho passed away days after suffering a knockout at the Total Extreme Fighting event, in the city of Dublin, Ireland. Carvalho, who was only 28 years old, could not resist the brain problems he suffered immediately after the fight.

In May, Bellator fighter Jordan Parsons, who had a fight scheduled for the same month, tragically lost his life after being run over in Delray Beach, in the United States. Parsons was walking during the early hours of the morning when he was struck by a car in the crosswalk. The driver fled without providing assistance, and the fighter died days later.

June, so far, has already killed three athletes in a shocking way. The first was Kimbo Slice, ex-UFC and currently competing in Bellator. Born in the Bahamas, the fighter faced heart problems and, while waiting for a transplant, he died in a hospital in Florida (USA).

A few days later, it was the turn of Ivan Cole, also from Bellator, to pass away in the city of Dallas. According to local police suspicions, the fighter died from a gunshot while playing Russian roulette. The fighter was 25 years old and left behind a wife and a four-year-old daughter.

Last Sunday (26), former UFC fighter Ryan Jimmo died after being intentionally run over moments after a traffic dispute. The incident took place in the city of Edmonton, Canada, and police are still looking for suspects in the crime.

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