An MMA fighter has died just hours after he collapsed mid-fight in Chicago.
Isaac Johnson, 31, was competing in the Matador Fighter Challenge when he fell to the ground late in the bout.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene.
He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, according to officials.
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An investigation has been launched into the cause of death, with an autopsy pending.
Johnson was scheduled to fight Corey Newell in a heavyweight Thai boxing match, in an event billed as “the ultimate MMA and Thai event, where local warriors will battle it out in high-stakes, high-intensity matches."
Promoter Joe Goytia said in a Facebook post: "This is a post I hoped to never make, last night one of the fighters in our event Isaac Johnson collapsed towards end of his fight.
“Medical attention was given by medical staff on hand and he was transported to hospital."
Isaac Johnson was competing in the Matador Fighter Challenge when he fell to the ground late in the bout
|MATADORFIGHTERCHALLANGE
He added: "I was then informed at around 1.30am 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."
Tributes flooded in online from fans and members of the fighting community.
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Isaac Johnson was a Chicago resident
|One wrote: “Didn’t know the guy but seen how he had a radiant smile, even moments before falling he smiled, this is the game we play, the man was a true warrior to the very end.”
Another added: “My thoughts and condolences. Something we never want to hear or experience."
A third said: "Tragic news from Chicago, our deepest sympathies to everyone involved."
Johnson was a Chicago resident who had also been pursuing a music career.
Johnson had also been pursuing a music career
|An autopsy on Saturday did not determine a cause of death.
Chicago is home to numerous MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms that cater to a wide range of skill levels.
The city has produced and attracted significant talent, including the current UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad, who was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and trains with Chicago Fight Team.
Other local talents include Bellator heavyweight Daniel James and former PFL champion Louis Taylor.
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