Brazilian UFC fighter Allan Nascimento has died after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep. He was 34.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced Nascimento’s death Monday, saying the flyweight was found unresponsive and could not be revived despite the efforts of emergency responders.
“This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep,” the organization said in an Instagram post. “Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The promotion also extended condolences to Nascimento’s family, friends, teammates and loved ones as fellow fighters and members of the MMA community mourned his death.
“One of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing through MMA. Rest in peace, Allan. 😭🕊️,” UFC international correspondent Evelyn Rodrigues commented.
“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 ❤️,” UFC martial artist Caio “The Natural” Borralho wrote.
Nascimento built his career in Brazil before reaching the sport’s biggest stage. He compiled a 17-4 record on the regional circuit and competed on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018 before earning a UFC contract three years later.
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Inside the Octagon, the UFC fighter put together a four-fight winning streak with victories over Jake Hadley, Carlos Hernandez, Jafel Filho and Cody Durden before dropping a split decision to Mitch Raposo at UFC Fight Night 279 on June 20.
Just weeks before his death, Nascimento reflected on his journey in a pinned Instagram video, explaining that he first walked into a Muay Thai gym in 2007 as what he described as a “skinny, tiny guy,” a nickname that led to him being called “Puro Osso,” or “pure bone.”
He said his parents initially opposed his dream of becoming a professional fighter but eventually embraced it after watching the work he put into chasing his goals.
Nascimento also spoke about the loss of his father just three weeks before his first UFC fight, calling it “the hardest moment of my life.”
“But he’s a guy who’s always with me in every fight,” Nascimento said in a clip translated to English. “He is always in the picture frame with me.”
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