It is a sad day for the mixed martial arts community. UFC commentator Mike Goldberg announced during UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle Sunday night that former fighter and current MMA trainer Shawn Thompkins passed away.
Thompkins was only 37 years old and more information will sure be available after the autopsy.
John Gunderson, a fighter close to Thompkins, told MMAjunkie.com that Thompkins appears to have passed away in his sleep.
Thompkins was only 0-4 as mixed martial artist, but really shone after his fight career as a coach and trainer. Thompkins worked at Structure in Las Vegas, Nevada and more recently was part of the TapouT Research and Development Training Center, also in Vegas.
Thompkins played an integral role in the development of top Canadian fighters like Sam Stout, Chris Hordecki and Mark Hominick. He has also worked with the likes of Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva and has been seen in UFC great Randy Couture’s corner as well.
Horodecki has had a tough summer as this is the second friend of his whose life has been claimed since July. Childhood friend Jake Sawicki was taken from him earlier this summer as reported by Fighters.com.
This is very sad news for both Canadian MMA and the MMA community as a whole. Thompkins will be missed by many.
Bleacher Report will keep you updated on any developments relating to this tragic event.
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