Family members of Dada 5000, real name Dhafir Harris, released a statement saying that the heavyweight fighter is recovering safely in hospital after suffering from severe dehydration and renal failure.
MMA fans were left comically entertained after the co-main event between Kimbo Slice and Dada 5000 (Dhafir Harris) at Bellator 149 last night.
The two heavyweights, who have a heated rivalry dating back to their street fighting days, were notably exhausted by the end of the 1st round and were separated by referee John McCarthy due to inactivity multiple times throughout the bout.
Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, appeared to be getting the better of the exchanges and completely exhausted Dada by the third round. The 38-year-old eventually collapsed due to exhaustion and was immediately stretchered backstage for medical attention.
It was initially reported that Harris was recovering backstage after receiving oxygen, but his family recently released a statement stating that the heavyweight suffered from renal failure, as well as severe dehydration due to high levels of potassium. Dada is currently in stable condition and being supervised by a team of doctors at a local Houston hospital.
Here’s the full statement, as sent out by Bellator MMA on behalf of the Harris family:
The Harris Family would like to inform Dada’s friends and fans that Dada is ok and resting comfortably in a Houston area Hospital under the care of an incredible staff of doctors and nurses.
The doctors have now informed us that Dada had accumulated extremely high levels of potassium in his blood which led to severe dehydration, fatigue and renal failure. The high potassium levels were likely caused by his 40lbs weight loss in preparation for the fight.
Thanks to the EMTs and doctors, Dada is now recovering nicely.
Dada showed the heart of a lion in the cage- not backing down throughout. He worked extremely hard preparing for the fight and stepped forward for 3 rounds against a tough veteran. He kept digging through the adversity- leaving it all in the cage for his fans and supporters. You can never take that away from him.
We’d like to thank all those who have supported Dada as well as express our sincere appreciation to Scott Coker, and the good people at BELLATOR and Spike who have been on-site to visit Dada and support the family.
We ask for the public and media to respect Dada’s privacy as he recovers.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter, Harris’ heart momentarily stopped working and he was initially listed in critical condition.
BREAKING: Multiple sources confirm Dhafir Harris was in critical condition overnight. His heart stopped and he was placed on a ventilator.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) February 20, 2016