MMA Fighter Ramin Zeynalov Reportedly Dies During Azerbaijan National Tournament

Less than 13 months after Booto Guylain died after a pro MMA fight in South Africa, Ramin Zeynalov has reportedly died while competing in an amateur bout in Azerbaijan last week. Bloody Elbow cites local source Sportbox with the original report.

According to the report, the 27-year-old Azerbaijani fighter was rendered unconscious after getting hit in the head by an unknown opponent in a national tournament, leading to a brain hemorrhage.

Zeynalov's brother, Rahman, said his younger sibling didn't inform his family of his plans to take the fight. Although he had no success, Rahman said he attempted to talk Ramin out of accepting the bout.

"

Ramin is the youngest brother in the family. He did not tell anyone that he had filed an application to participate in the fighting without rules. We found out about it by accident. Of course we started to dissuade him, saying that he had a family, he does not need, but he was not listening. He did not need the money, it was just his passion. He has a wonderful family, including his little daughter.

"

Rahman, a police officer in Azerbaijan, said the death of his brother is being investigated. He also said he harbors no ill will toward Ramin's unknown opponent. 

"I can not blame him for the death of (my) brother — he attacked him not with weapons; it was a battle, Rahman said."

Bloody Elbow's report didn't specify whether the tournament was sanctioned. 

Guylain's reported death would make him the fourth MMA fighter to die due to injuries sustained during sanctioned MMA fights.

After suffering cerebral hemorrhages in their pro bouts, 30-year-old Michael Kirkham and 35-year-old Sam Vasquez both died. Thirty-year-old Tyrone Mims died after an amateur fight, although the cause of death in that case was never determined.  

In September 2013, former pro Leandro "Feijao" Souza died while attempting to cut weight prior to Shooto Brazil 43 in Rio de Janeiro. The Nova Uniao product apparently died from a stroke.