Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Grigory Ponomarev has died at the age of 31, according to the Russian news agency TASS, citing the Fight Nights organization.
According to initial information, the cause of death was a blood clot.
Ponomarev was crowned Fight Nights heavyweight champion in 2022, after defeating Yusuf Shuyaev in their second fight, before defending his belt against the same opponent in March 2023. He ended his MMA career with 6 wins, including 5 by knockout, and 3 losses, including decisive wins by knockout and submission.
His last fight was in August 2023 against Mukhtoumad and Haif at ACA 161, where he suffered a severe knee injury in the first few minutes of the fight, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament and other ligaments, after which he was sidelined from competition.
Before turning professional, Ponomarev achieved outstanding results at the amateur level, winning the silver medal at the Russian Championship and the country's cup in MMA in 2018. He also reached the final of the World Championship in Bahrain and held the title of International Master in the sport according to the MMA Federation in Kemerovo.
After stepping away from fighting, he moved to Moscow and began studying at the Faculty of Pharmacy. He also worked in the field of cosmetology and performed cosmetic procedures such as mesotherapy and biorejuvenation.
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