Mateus Fernandes, an amateur mixed martial artist from Brazil, passed away hours after suffering a third-round TKO loss to Obed Pereira at Remulus Fight in Manaus, Brazil on Saturday, March 30. Fernandes, who competed in the bantamweight division, was just 22 years old at the time of his death.
There are conflicting reports of what led to Fernandes’ death, with some claims that it was an alleged overdose and not damage caused during the fight that led to his passing.
The event was sanctioned by the Amazonas Athletic Commission (CAMMA).
“He did exams on Friday and was clean, but ex-students told us later that he spent the night using drugs,” Formando Campeoes project coordinator Vanderluce Cantuarias, wife of coach Valmir Dieb, said, via MMAFighting.com.
“He didn’t appear to have used anything. He was sweating a lot, but that is common, the adrenaline of the fight. He did great in the first couple of rounds, but was rocked in the third round and went down, and then he started having seizures caused by the drugs.”
Fernandes did not have his heart or brain checked prior than competing on Saturday night.
Additional information on Fernandes’ passing can be seen below.
Mateus Fernandes Cause Of Death: Heart Attack
According to reports, Fernandes suffered multiple heart attacks at the local hospital before dying at 11:45 p.m. local time. CAMMA president Wallace Alves confirmed the news when speaking to MMAFighting.com.
“I’m feeling numb right now, really upset,” Alves said. “He was rushed to the hospital and had his eyes open the entire time. He was dizzy, but still awake. He was examined in the hospital and then suffered the first heart failure. They tried to save him for two hours, but he ended up dying.”
Our deepest condolences are with Fernandes’ family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.