MMA fighter Joao Carvalho has died after suffering brain injuries after a TKO loss at a Total Extreme Fighting event in Dublin, Ireland this past Saturday night.
The 28 year-old Carvalho had been fighting at welterweight against Charlie Ward, a team-mate of Conor McGregor who was being coached by John Kavanagh, on the main card of TEF’s first ever event, which was held at The National Stadium in Dublin.
Ward TKO’d the Portugese fighter in the third round and at that stage was bleeding heavily from his nose, but was attended to do by medical staff and appeared to be OK. However, backstage he took a turn for the worse, complaining of headaches and then starting to vomit, which led to him being rushed to hospital just 20 minutes after the fights conclusion.
Carvalho would undergo immediate brain surgery, but tragically, he passed away on Monday night. He is the fifth fighter to have passed away following a sanctioned MMA fight since 2007.
Read the full statement from Total Extreme Fighting below.
“The TEF Team is deeply saddened by the news of João Carvalho’s death. Last night 11th of April, mixed martial artist João Carvalho passed away after 2 days of the best medical care and treatment in Beaumont Hospital following his three round TKO stoppage defeat on Saturday 9th April at the National Stadium in Dublin.
Following the referee stoppage João, who was representing Portuguese club Team Nobrega, was assessed by doctors and medical staff at the onsite medical office as per normal procedure. It was determined that he should be sent to hospital. In hospital he received emergency treatment and transferred to ICU later that evening. Formal hospital medical reports and procedures are still being carried out. João was 28 years of age.
Cesar Silva, CEO of TEF said “We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of João Carvalho’s and his teammates in Team Nobrega. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We’d also like to thank all sports fans for their concern and support. We will give whatever support we can to Joao’s family.”
“We have been in contact with his family and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time.”
