Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Tragedy has struck the combat sports world following the death of Maxim Dadashev, who passed on Tuesday morning as a result of injuries sustained in his technical knockout loss to Subriel Matias last weekend in Oxon Hill, Maryland, according to ESPN.
He was just 28.
Trainer Buddy McGirt forced an early stoppage after watching his previously undefeated fighter take too many unanswered shots. Unfortunately it was not enough, as Dadashev collapsed outside the ring and was rushed to UM Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly, Maryland, for emergency surgery.
This video of Buddy McGirt urging Maxim Dadashev to stop fighting was hard to watch Friday, it’s even harder now. Heart-breaking. pic.twitter.com/BNjsdpJfle
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 23, 2019
“Mad Max” remained in a medically-induced coma until Tuesday’s passing.
The loss of Dadashev is likely to reopen the debate on fighter safety, referee stoppages, and when a fight has become too one-sided to continue. While mixed martial arts (MMA) has avoided a similar tragedy, at least stateside, questions remain as to what constitutes “too early.”
Dadashev, promoted by Top Rank, began his pro career in 2016 and amassed a 13-1 record with 11 knockouts.