MMA world in shock after shooting death of Leandro Lo at 33
The MMA world is mourning the shocking death of legendary Jiu-jitsu fighter Leandro Lo after he was shot and killed at a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The 33-year-old was reportedly out with friends at the Clube Sírio - a sport and social club in the Saúde district of Sao Paulo - when he was shot in the head.
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According to a police report, the shooting occurred during a confrontation between Lo and off-duty military police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo.
The report, seen by multiple media outlets, states that witnesses allege Mr Velozo grabbed a bottle from Lo's table and made threatening gestures before a physical altercation broke out.
After the men were separated, Mr Velozo allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Lo in the head.
Lo's lawyer said on Sunday that he was rushed to hospital after the shooting, where he was declared brain dead.
Lo won eight International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships as a black belt and was widely regarded one of the best Jiu-jitsu fighters of all time.
He won his eight World Championship in California earlier this year.
The 33-year-old won bouts at World Cups, Pan American championships and Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships.
MMA world in shock over death of Leandro Lo
Lo's death has sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community, with tributes pouring in on social media.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation wrote on Twitter: "The IBJJF and Jiu Jitsu community are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Leandro Lo.
"Lo was one of the greatest athletes our sport has ever produced. An example of a true black belt, martial artist and champion on and off the mats. Rest in peace legend."
Former UFC fighter-turned-analyst Kenny Florian tweeted. “Leandro was a legend.”
Fellow analyst Josh Thomson wrote: "The word legend is thrown around way too much in sports but it can’t be thrown around enough when it comes to your name in Jiu Jitsu.
"Leandro Lo, My heart and prayers to your family my brother. Rest easy my friend."
UFC commentator John Gooden added: "Saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Leandro Lo.
"One of the greatest Jiu Jitsu players ever. Absolutely tragic. My condolences to his family and friends."
The IBJJF and Jiu Jitsu community are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Leandro Lo. Lo was one of the greatest athletes our sport has ever produced. An example of a true black belt, martial artist and champion on and off the mats. Rest in peace legend. 🙏🏼🕊 pic.twitter.com/lHK3n8pF4K
— IBJJF (@ibjjf) August 7, 2022
The word legend is thrown around way to much in sports but it can’t be thrown around enough when it comes to your name in Jiu Jitsu || Leandro Lo, My heart and prayers to your family my brother. Rest easy my friend ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/XkLOCXNZHz
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) August 7, 2022
Saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Leandro Lo. One of the greatest Jiu Jitsu players ever. Absolutely tragic. My condolences to his family and friends
— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) August 7, 2022
A very sad day for the BJJ community. Leandro was a legend. https://t.co/zxbCP2E2SK
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 7, 2022
Wow. Unbelievably tragic news about Leandro Lo. RIP to a jiu jitsu legend. Shocking.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) August 7, 2022
RIP my brother Leandro Lo ❤️ l pic.twitter.com/ILLISdynhi
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) August 7, 2022
Such sad news. RIP Leandro Lo.#BJJ #JiuJitsu pic.twitter.com/MHMnAqj5r2
— Andrew Jitsu (@Andrew_Jitsu81) August 7, 2022
Shocking, awful news. BJJ icon Leandro Lo murdered in São Paulo last night. Only 33 years old. https://t.co/EimsNSvx8N
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 7, 2022
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