UFC fighter Allan Nascimento, 34, dies after apparent heart attack
Brazilian mixed martial artist and UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento has died after suffering "an apparent heart attack in his sleep," the promotion company announced on social media Monday.
Nascimento was 34 years old and last fought at a UFC event in June.
"This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep," UFC wrote in the caption of an Instagram post Monday. "Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene."
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan's family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the organization added.
Nascimento carried a professional fighting record of 22 wins and 7 losses since 2011, according to ESPN.
In his UFC career, he was 4-2 in six appearances, with his final UFC appearance on June 20 a split decision loss to Mitch Raposo, according to his official fighter page.
Nascimento had won four of his last five UFC matches dating back to May 2022.
In a June 8 Instagram video, Nascimento said he began fighting Muay Thai in 2007.
"I was a skinny, tiny guy, and when I entered the gym ... they had already nicknamed me Puro Osso," he said in the video, referencing the Portuguese idiom for "skin and bones." "At the time, my parents were totally against it ... [but] little by little, they really adapted -- they liked it. And good that it worked, right?"
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow is blocked to a part of the heart muscle, preventing it from getting enough oxygen, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the agency states, the heart muscle begins to die.
"Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease," the agency states. "Your age, lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions can raise your risk of a heart attack."
Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest and upper body pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweatiness, and nausea, although women frequently experience different symptoms, the NHLBI says.
Heart attacks are incredibly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year, with one heart attack occurring every 40 seconds.
"If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Acting fast can save your life," the NHLBI states. "The longer the heart goes without enough oxygen, the more damage is done to the heart muscle."
According to the agency, many people who have heart attacks survive and go on to lead full, active lives.
