If you are planning to start mixed martial arts or looking for MMA schools for your kids and are concerned about safety, then researching deaths in MMA is a valid point to start with.
MMA is a combat sport that combines various fighting techniques, from striking to grappling. It’s intense, fast-paced, and, yes, sometimes dangerous.
In this blog, I will try to unveil the harsh reality of MMA deaths.
I’m not just talking about the high-profile cases like Victoria Lee or Anthony Johnson, but the overall impact these incidents have on the sport and the fighters involved.
I will take a closer look at how often these deaths happen, the causes behind them, and how MMA compares to boxing when it comes to fatalities.
I hope this might help you find the answers you are looking for about the deaths that occurred in MMA or during MMA training.
How Many Deaths in MMA?
MMA is a thrilling sport to watch, but behind the excitement lies a harsh reality — the risk of death.
While it might not be something fans want to think about, it’s essential to understand the actual numbers. So, how many MMA deaths have we really seen over the years?
According to Wikipedia, Since the journey of MMA started in 1993, In total, there have been around 20 documented and 9 undocumented death directly related to MMA competition.
This number might sound shocking, but when you break it down, it gives us a clearer picture of how often fatalities happen. The death rate in MMA is not as high as in some other extreme sports, like boxing.
MMA Deaths: The Fighters We Lost?
Ultimate Fighting Championship (also known as UFC) was started in 1993 and has been regarded as the inception of MMA.
Since its birth, there have been some unfortunate deaths connected to MMA. However, there are no death records in UFC events. Some of the deaths are related to MMA fighting and training.
Here are some MMA deaths that shook the world:
Sam Vasquez
Sam Vasquez, a 35-year-old mixed martial artist from Houston, died on November 30, 2007, six weeks after suffering a severe head injury during a sanctioned fight against Vince Libardi on October 20, 2007, at the Toyota Center.
After being knocked out and experiencing a seizure, he was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center, where emergency surgeries were performed to address blood clots and brain swelling from a subdural hemorrhage.
Despite medical efforts, he fell into a coma and passed away. His Death was ruled accidental by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Sam Vasquez was the first fighter to die from injuries in a sanctioned MMA competition in North America.
Later, A detailed investigation confirmed that the event complied with procedures but raised critical questions about whether the fatal injury was due to a single blow or cumulative trauma.
Michael Kirkham
Michael Kirkham was a 30-year-old MMA fighter who died from brain injuries sustained during his first professional fight on June 26, 2010, in South Carolina.
He was knocked out in just 41 seconds by Carlos Iraburo, who landed multiple strikes to Kirkham’s head while he was down.
After collapsing post-fight, Kirkham was rushed to Aiken Regional Medical Center but died two days later.
An autopsy found that the cause of Death was a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding between the brain and its protective tissues.
Later, it was known that, Just 63 days before, he had suffered a TKO in an amateur bout; at the time, South Carolina had a 30-day suspension rule for knockouts, which was later extended to 60 days after his Death.
Kirkham’s tragic passing exposed serious gaps in medical oversight of MMA Fighters that can lead to Death.
After Kirkham’s Death, Medical oversight in MMA was strengthened in all the states of the USA.
Donshay White
Donshay White, a 37-year-old amateur MMA fighter from Radcliff, Kentucky, died on July 16, 2017, shortly after losing a heavyweight bout by TKO at “Hardrock MMA 90” in Louisville.
After the fight, White collapsed backstage and quickly moved to the hospital and was pronounced dead.
In the autopsy, The reason for the Death was hypertensive heart disease Caused by his untreated high blood pressure.
Even though he passed the pre-match medical test, it is clear that such testing wasn’t detailed enough to identify serious issues like that.
Rondel Clark
Rondel Clark, a 26-year-old amateur MMA fighter from Sutton, Massachusetts, died on August 15, 2017, three days after competing in a Cage Titans XXXV event.
His fight ended in a technical knockout about two minutes into the third round. After the fight, Clark was hospitalized and later passed away.
An autopsy concluded that Clark died from extreme rhabdomyolysis, which can caused by severe dehydration.
This health condition can lead to kidney failure and other life-threatening complications.
Reports and family statements have linked his Death to the extreme weight-cutting practices standard in MMA, which can severely strain the body and contribute to rhabdomyolysis.
Rondel Clark’s Death brings out the dark side of MMA’s severe weight cutting and its toll on the players.
MMA vs Boxing: Which Sport Has More Fatalities?
MMA enthusiasts and combat sports lovers often debate and compare MMA wBoxingxing to determine which sports are more dangerous.
MMA might seem more dangerous in plain eyes as it uses a wide range of attacks, such as punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, while Boxing uses only fists.
But in reality, most MMA matches end up with grappling. In contrast, Boxing players can sustain several fatal blows to the head that can have long-term impacts on health.
Let me give you some statistics about how many deaths have occurred in both these sports:
A Comparison of Death Rates in Combat Sports
Boxing has long been known for its risk of head trauma, and unfortunately, it’s a sport where fatalities are common.
On the other hand, MMA is Thought of as a dangerous combat sport, But the statistics say differently.
- Boxing: According to the Manuel Velazquez Boxing Fatality Collection report, Boxing fatalities have been happening for over a century, with more than 1,600 documented deaths in the sport.
- MMA: In contrast, MMA has seen around 20 fatalities. And in recent years, the number has become smaller.
One significant difference between the two sports is the variety of techniques involved.
Boxing is a stand-up sport focused on punches, whereas MMA includes strikes, grappling, and submissions.
The variety in MMA’s combat styles means fighters are at risk from different types of injuries, including not just head trauma but also joint and ligament damage.
The Causes Behind MMA Deaths
While it’s easy to think of MMA deaths as simply the result of one big knockout or injury, the reality is far more complex. Several factors can contribute to fatalities in the sport. Let’s break down some of the leading causes of MMA deaths.
1. Brain Injuries and Knockouts
One of the most common causes of death in MMA is brain injuries. Knockouts, especially those caused by headshots, can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that may not show symptoms immediately. When fighters are knocked out, their brains suffer a rapid deceleration, which can cause severe damage. Sometimes, these injuries aren’t immediately fatal but can lead to brain hemorrhages or strokes days or even weeks later.
2. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neuro-linked health issue that results from repeated hits to the head, especially on the temple and the rear side of someone’s head.
It’s been heavily discussed in boxing and MMA due to its long-term effects. CTE can cause symptoms like memory loss, depression, and even violent behavior. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
3. Underlying Medical Conditions
Sometimes, a fighter’s death may be linked to pre-existing health conditions.
For example, Anthony Johnson’s death was reportedly related to an illness he had been fighting for a while.
If you have Heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, or other complex health issues, you better check with a doctor before even considering stepping into Octagon.
Final Thoughts
MMA, Like every combat sport filled with excitement, passion, and risk.
While the number of deaths in MMA is relatively low compared to other well-established and old combat sports like boxing, the loss of any fighter is a tragedy that reminds us of the dangers these athletes face.
But, Every death in MMA brings forth policy shifts and forced regulation to make it safer for every age group.
And because of that, For the last 5 years, There have been zero cases reported where a fighter has died in an MMA match or afterward.
If you are considering joining MMA or planning to start your amateur career, go for it.
FAQ
How Many Deaths Have There Been in MMA History?
There have been approximately 20 recorded deaths directly related to MMA competition. This number reflects the fatalities that occurred during or after a fight, whether due to injuries sustained in the ring or related health complications.
Does Boxing Have More Deaths Than MMA?
Yes, according to The Manuel Velazquez Boxing Fatality Collection report, boxing has a higher death rate compared to MMA, with over 1,600 recorded deaths since the sport’s inception. This is mainly due to boxing’s more extended history and focus on repeated head trauma.
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