Former UFC fighter Brian Gassaway has died at just 49-years-old.
A gofundme page created by his students confirmed the news, though the cause of his death is unknown at this time.
Gassaway was a man of many promotions, having started of his career all the way back in 1996, initially competing for the likes of IFC and Pancrase.
Eventually he found his way to the WEC promotion in 2005, then just month later he also fought in the UFC, where he was defeated by Diego Sanchez.
In 2010 Gassaway hung up his gloves for good after compiling an overall 29-20-2 (+1nc) record, not long after he’d earned a decision win in his one and only fight in the Bellator promotion.
In the years since, Gassaway had remained connected to the sport as a coach, and he clearly made a lasting impact on many of his students.
“Whether you were training for a fight on the big stage, competing in a smoker in a church basement, or training just to better yourself, Brian showed you the same love, effort, and attention,” one student wrote on Gassaway’s gofundme page. “You always felt safe knowing that he was in the corner. His calmness gave you confidence as he wrapped your hands in preparation to go into battle. His words gave you the knowledge from the experience of the countless wars he fought as you marched to the ring. And his energy gave you strength and courage as the bell rang and you walked into the fire. One thing was certain: You always knew that Brian was fighting right there alongside you. And after the fights were fought, after the fans left the stadium, after the lights went dark, Brain was still there, sitting quietly alongside you.”
Brian is survived by his wife Mimi, his mother, brother and son, Rashad.
