Horror as MMA fighter, 31, dies after collapsing during fight in Chicago

An MMA fighter has died at 31 years old, hours after collapsing during a fight in Chicago on Friday night.

Isaac Johnson had been competing at the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium and was hospitalized at around 8:38pm, according to NBC Chicago.

He was pronounced dead at 12:01am, with police now conducting a death investigation.

Joe Goyita, the event's promoter, wrote in an emotional Facebook statement: 'This is a post I hoped to never make. Last night one of the fighters in our event, Isaac Johnson, collapsed towards the end of his fight.

'Medical attention was given by medical staff on hand and he was transported to hospital. I was then informed at around 130 am this morning that he didn't make it.

'I don't have the words to express how I feel right now, all I can say is my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. We will know more as the medical report is released.'

According to the Matador Fighter Challenge website, Johnson was fighting Corey Newell in a Heavyweight Thai fight. 

Tributes poured in for Johnson, with one friend of his posting on Facebook: 'This so sad!!! I'm so tired of seeing this! We were just talking about all your future endeavors, boundaries, religion. You had a plan, a good head on your shoulders! Insane!!'

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