UFC president Dana White is reflecting on the sudden death of Allan Nascimento, one week after the fighter died at age 34 from an apparent heart attack.
“I mean, it’s horrible,” White, 57, told reporters on Monday, August 10. “And I know that his whole crew and team were literally devastated. I mean, these guys were so upset.”
He added, “It’s just one of those freak, tragedy things that happened to a young guy that it shouldn’t happen to.”
Nascimento died in his sleep on August 3, the UFC wrote in a statement that day.
“Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The fighter participated in his final bout against Mitch Raposo on June 20, just weeks before his death.
Nascimento was a member of the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team and had a career record of 22-7 with 16 wins by total submission. He is survived by his wife and two children, who have not been publicly named.
Former lightweight champion and current BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira was a close friend of Nascimento. He remembered his colleague in a statement via Instagram.
“Today I lost a brother that the fight game gave me,” Oliveira, 36, wrote. “Thank you for always being by my side, for sharing the mats and the corner. I have nothing but gratitude for having you with me — in training, in the corner and just hanging out. I love you, man.”
Oliveira was rumored to be preparing to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 in September, but he has since withdrawn and Tsarukyan, 29, will face Mauricio Ruffy instead. That has led fans to speculate that Oliveira withdrew due to his friend’s death.
The Chute Box Academy, a Brazilian MMA academy, shared a tribute of its own, writing, “Today, our team has lost much more than an athlete; we have lost a warrior, a friend, a dedicated competitor, and an extraordinary human being who earned the respect and admiration of everyone privileged enough to know him.”
“Allan inspired others both on and off the mats with his determination, humility, respect, and fighting spirit,” the school added. “His absence will be felt profoundly. Rest in peace, Allan. Your name, your story, and your legacy will live on forever through our star ⭐️.”
The rest of MMA has also shared its support, including middleweight fighter Caio Borralho, who commented on the UFC post announcing Nascimento’s death.
“He was one of the most kind fighters that’s I’ve ever met! Polite, good energy and always in good spirits! He will be missed 🙏🏼 RIP! @chuteboxe_sp and his family, stay strong ❤️,” Borralho, 33, wrote.
