Cage fighting bosses who organised a UFC-style bout where a 23-year-old fighter died are facing a manslaughter trial. Prosecutors in the Brazilian state of Ceara say the three neglected essential safety measures that could have saved victim Joao Victor Penha who died after he was knocked out in the 2023 bout.
They say the trio failed to provide headguards and gumshields, made no pre-fight medical checks and put Penha in the ring with a far more powerful and experienced opponent. Prosecutor Laua Uchoa said: “The three men will answer for the crime of manslaughter. There was negligence in the organisation of the event.”
One of the accused has been named as Marcio Marcelo Santos, who at the time was the Secretary of Sport in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, where the unlicensed fight took place.
Prosecutors say he allowed the fight to go ahead despite the lack of basic safety requirements.
Fight organisers Pedro Henrique Rodrigues do Nascimento and Natanael William de Queiroz Sousa, were also charged with manslaughter.
Prosecutors say they failed to follow any of the safety advice given by fight regulators “creating a fatal risk for sportsmen”, local media reported on 15th April.
After Penha was knocked cold in the bout he was rushed to a hospital intensive care unit but was decalared brain dead three days later.
Earlier this year, a British man died after collapsing during his first-ever Muay Thai kickboxing match in Thailand. The 30-year-old man, who has not been officially named, died after the referee was forced to halt the fight at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium in Koh Samui.
Local media and the Daily Star Sport reported that the bout was stopped by the referee in the third round after the British fighter was kicked in his rib cage. He managed to leave the ring and unwrap his gloves, but soon collapsed while his eyes rolled back into his head.
The man received medical attention from his trainer, who reportedly gave him CPR until emergency services arrived and took him to Thai International Hospital. Sadly, the medics were unable to save him and he passed away.
An autopsy was reportedly carried out at Koh Samui Hospital to determine the cause of death and Thai police, based at Bo Phut Police Station, are also said to be investigating.
They will also liaise with coordinate with the British Embassy to notify the man’s relatives. Mirror Sport contacted the British Embassy in Bangkok at the time.
Muay Thai is a popular form of kickboxing which involves using the arms, shins, fists and feet to beat your opponent. It was invented in Thailand and has now spread all over the world.
Muay Thai, which translates as Thai boxing and ‘the art of eight limbs’, is the national sport of Thailand. It was first developed hundreds of years ago and was incorporated into military training by King Naresuan in 1560.
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