MMA Fighter Joao Carvalho Tragically Dies Following KO Loss In Ireland

It is with deep sadness that we bring you this morbid update on the story surrounding Charlie Ward and Joao Carvalho. Ward, who trains with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor at Dublin’s SBG (Straight Blast Gym) looked impressive in his third round stoppage of Carvalho, but the story did not end in the cage.

The initial report and video of the fight is here

Carvalho was taken ill to the hospital after the brutal KO loss to Ward, complaining of headaches and nausea, also bleeding from the nose. He remained in critical condition at the Beaumont hospital for the 48 hours following the event in Dublin, Ireland.

Tragically it was announced today by his team Nobrega that Joao Carvalho has passed away following the injuries sustained in his fight at TEF. Here’s the translation of his team’s terribly sad message on Facebook, via Pundit Arena:

The Nobrega team confirms the passing of our athlete Joao Carvalho, which occurred last night in Beaumont hospital, in Dublin, at 21:35 hours. It is with great sorrow and sadness that we write these words, that the death of the athlete João Carvalho happened after 48 hours in critical condition.

During the TEF MMA event, which took place on Saturday, at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin, they complied with all the safety rules, and after the fight followed all the correct procedures and regulations, but Joao felt bad about 20 minutes after the end of the fight.

Still on the site, he was immediately assisted by the medical team and was then quickly transported to the Beaumont hospital, where he was subjected to a surgical brain intervention, after which the athlete remained in critical condition. During the 48 hours following, he eventually passed away on Monday at 21:35 hours.

Despite the continued monitoring from the doctor who was part of the organisation of the event and the hospital, the support of the Irish, which we appreciate in these difficult times, and although the risks of this sport are known, the passing of Joao Carvalho in my professional point of view was a great deal of misery. It was deeply saddening and dismaying, both for his family, as well as the whole Team Nóbrega team, who always accompanied Joao Carvalho throughout his career, in which he competed at the national and international level.

It is with great regret that we offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and the whole Nobrega team.”

We send our condolences and best wishes for the family of Joao Carvalho, who leaves this plane of existence behind far too early. RIP, it takes a warrior to do what this man did, to risk it all in the cage.