2008 Combat Sambo world champion and Bellator Fighting Championships rising star Blagoi Ivanov is reportedly on life support after being stabbed in the chest.
The MMA fighter was rushed to a local Bulgarian hospital where doctors performed over six hours of surgery. Doctors are reportedly still concerned about the fighter’s chances at survival.
The incident took place in a bar in Sofia, Bulgaria early in the morning of February 26. Reports say that the 25-year-old Ivanov was with two friends when eight men approached with bats and knives. The Bellator fighter was stabbed below the armpit and the blade actually pierced his heart.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a statement released today to MMAjunkie.com:
Right now, we do not have all of the details, but our thoughts and prayers are with Blagoi and his family.
Ivanov became well known when he defeated former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko in a bout at the 2008 World Sambo Championships. While Blagoi went on to win the tournament, it would be the victory over Emelianko that he would be remembered for.
In the first six MMA fights of his life, the bruiser was 6-0 with enough power to be a serious threat with refinement.
As doctors work to save the young man’s life, the entire MMA community sends its wishes to those affected by this tragedy.
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