'Really sad': UFC rocked by former fighter's tragic death at 49
The MMA world is mourning the tragic death of former UFC fighter Brian Gassaway at 49.
Gassaway competed in WEC, Bellator, King of the Cage, Shooto and Pancrase, as well as a brief stint in the UFC.
He was best known for his fight against Diego Sanchez at UFC 54 in 2005, which he lost by second-round TKO.
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That was Gassaway's lone fight at UFC level, however he went on to compete in 52 professional bouts.
In 2011 he moved into coaching and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Illinois in 2018.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Gassaway's family.
βHe lived his life with purpose and goodness, dedicating every waking moment to being a better person, husband, friend, fighter and coach,β the page reads.
βAnd, at the same time, he elevated the lives of all the people around him.β
MMA world in mourning over Brian Gassaway's death
The American's family were among the many to pay tribute to Gassaway.
βWhether 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,β they said.
βYou 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.
βHis 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.
βOne thing was certain: You always knew that Brian was fighting right there alongside you.
βAnd after the fights were fought, after the fans left the stadium, after the lights went dark, Brain was still there, sitting quietly alongside you.β
The fighter nicknamed βMandingoβ is survived by his wife and one son.
One of the true warriors and good men of MMA - Brian Gassaway - has died. He was a real pioneer as an athlete and racked up more fights than almost anyone in history. More than that, he was a skilled, kind, humble, generous, & truly caring coach & friend.
β Elias Cepeda (@EliasCepeda) October 16, 2021
Rest in power, my brother. Brian Gassaway was so supportive of me and my team, and I learned a lot about what it means to be a real coach from him. pic.twitter.com/TUDl9pvA1s
β Elias Cepeda (@EliasCepeda) October 16, 2021
Sorry to hear about the passing of Brian Gassaway. He and his brother Wes were staples of the midwest scene back in the days MMA was underground.
RIP π
Brian Gassaway Memorial Fund https://t.co/QESi3Hyu9Uβ TheRealSnowden (@JESnowden) October 17, 2021
So sad to hear of the passing of Chicago mma legend Brian Gassaway. Brian was the epitome of a proβs pro who always came in shape, made weight,and fought his heart out every single time.He made it to the biggest stage in the sport fighting in the UFC. RIP my friend! Gone too soon
β Ray Flores (@SBRFlores) October 17, 2021
Thoughts to his family and friends. Brian was doing this before most people knew what it was. When after you flight, you hoped you got paid https://t.co/HREfBch4xv
β Jillian DeCoursey (@lionheartjill) October 19, 2021
Wow that's really sad, may he RIP
β Uncle Kenny πΊπΈπ΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ (@KennyKruger1) October 19, 2021
R.i.p
β jamis rock williams (@jarws) October 18, 2021
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