UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento has died after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced Monday. He was 34.
The promotion said Nascimento was found unresponsive Monday morning and could not be revived despite efforts by emergency medical personnel.
“This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep,” the UFC said in a statement posted to Instagram.
“Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The organization extended its condolences to Nascimento’s family, friends, teammates and loved ones as tributes poured in from across the mixed martial arts community.
UFC international correspondent Evelyn Rodrigues remembered Nascimento as “one of the kindest souls” she had encountered in the sport.
“One of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing through MMA. Rest in peace, Allan,” Rodrigues wrote.
Fellow UFC fighter Caio Borralho also paid tribute, describing Nascimento as one of the friendliest competitors he had met.
“He was one of the most kind fighters that I’ve ever met! Polite, good energy and always in good spirits! He will be missed,” Borralho wrote.
Nascimento built his professional career in Brazil before reaching the UFC.
He compiled a 17-4 record competing on the regional circuit and appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018 before earning a UFC contract three years later.
During his time in the UFC, Nascimento won four consecutive fights, defeating Jake Hadley, Carlos Hernandez, Jafel Filho and Cody Durden.
His final appearance came on June 20 at UFC Fight Night 279, where he lost a split decision to Mitch Raposo, ending his winning streak.
Just weeks before his death, Nascimento reflected on his career in a video pinned to his Instagram profile.
He recalled walking into a Muay Thai gym in 2007 as what he described as a “skinny, tiny guy,” a nickname that inspired his moniker “Puro Osso,” which translates to “pure bone.”
Nascimento said his parents initially opposed his dream of becoming a professional fighter but eventually became supportive after witnessing his dedication to the sport, per Trending Politics.
He also spoke about the loss of his father, who died just three weeks before Nascimento made his UFC debut.
Nascimento described his father’s death as “the hardest moment of my life.”
“But he’s a guy who’s always with me in every fight,” Nascimento said in the translated video. “He is always in the picture frame with me.”
No additional details regarding the apparent heart attack have been released. The UFC has not announced whether further medical examinations will be conducted.
Nascimento’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from fighters, coaches and fans, who remembered the Brazilian flyweight for both his accomplishments inside the Octagon and his reputation for humility and kindness outside of competition.
