An amateur mixed martial arts fighter has died in England after suffering a brain injury during a match.
Saeideh Aletaha, 26, was competing at a Fast and Furious Fight Series (FFS) event in Southampton’s Central Hall on Saturday when she was critically injured.
She was taken to hospital following the fight, but died later.
Hampshire Police said it was making inquiries into what happened.
In a statement on Facebook, FFS said: “All competitors get in prepared that they may be injured, and this is something not expected to happen 99.9% of the time.
“But it can, and in this we make the environment as safe as possible with pre and post medicals from a doctor, and full medical cover throughout, with doctor, paramedic and ambulance on site alongside our experienced team of staff.”
FFS added its team included “numerous first aiders” and said it had not “skimped” on safety in any of its 19 shows.
Fellow martial artists and friends paid tribute to Aletaha on FFS’ Facebook page and that of Exile Gym, where the 26-year-old trained.
A statement on Exile’s page read: “Saeideh Aletaha was a lovely character with a beautiful soul. Her dedication to the sport was 110% [and she traveled] miles every day just to train.
“She found her place with us just a few months ago, but has become a part of the family and will be sorely missed. This news comes as a devastating blow to us all at the gym and the whole community.”