The MMA community is in mourning after a former UFC fighter and legend of the combat sports world passed away.
Former UFC fighter Brian Gassaway has died aged 49, according to his family and friends.
The MMA veteran was best known for fighting Diego Sanchez on the UFC 54 main card in 2005, which he lost by second-round TKO.
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It was Gassaway’s only UFC bout but he contested 52 professional fights throughout a long career under various promotions including WEC, Bellator, King of the Cage, Shooto and Pancrase.
In 2011, the American retired from professional MMA fighting to focus on coaching. He was inducted into in to the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in the US state of Illinois.
Gassaway’s passing was announced by his family and friends in a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for his funeral. A cause of death is not yet known.
“He lived his life with purpose and goodness, dedicating every waking moment to being a better person, husband, friend, fighter and coach,” the website reads.
“And, at the same time, he elevated the lives of all the people around him.”
Gassway’s loved ones hailed him as a legend of the combat sports world and praised his ability as a coach.
“Whether 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,” they said.
“You 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.
“His 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. “One thing was certain: You always knew that Brian was fighting right there alongside you. “And after the fights were fought, after the fans left the stadium, after the lights went dark, Brain was still there, sitting quietly alongside you.”
Gassaway is survived by his wife Mimi and son Rashad.
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