Portuguese MMA fighter Joao Carvalho has died following a Total Extreme Fighting event in Dublin at the weekend.

Carvalho had taken ill after he was beaten via technical knockout in a fight against Charlie Ward, a team-mate of UFC Champion Conor McGregor.

The Portuguese fighter was checked by doctors at the National Stadium and following that he was taken to Beaumont Hospital.

Carvalho underwent emergency brain surgery but a statement from his Vitor Nobrega Team confirmed his death.

"It is with great sorrow and sadness that we write these words, that the death of the athlete Joao Carvalho happened after 48 hours in critical condition," the statement read.

"On the site (Carvalho) was immediately assisted by the medical team and then quickly transported to the hospital Beaumont, where he was subjected to a brain surgical intervention, after which the athlete remained in critical condition during the 48 hours following, eventually passed away on this Monday at 21:35 hours."

Organisers of the event, Total Extreme Fighting, also issued a statement to extend condolences to the family of Joao Carvalho.

"The TEF Team are deeply saddened by the news of Team Carvalho's death. Last night 11th of April, mixed martial artist Joao Carvalho passed away after two days of the best medical care and treatment in Beaumont Hospital following his three round TKO stoppage defeat on Saturday 9th April at the National Stadium in Dublin.

"Following the referee stoppage Joao, who was representing Portuguese club Team Nóbrega , was assessed by doctors and medical staff at the onsite medical office as per normal procedure.

"It was determined that he should be sent to hospital. In hospital he received emergency treatment and transferred to ICU later that evening. Formal hospital medical reports and procedures are still being carried out. Joao was 28 years of age."

Total Extreme Fighting chief executive Cesar Silva added: "We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of João Carvalho's and his teammates in Team Nobrega. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We'd also like to thank all sports fans for their concern and support. We will give whatever support we can to Joao's family.

"We have been in contact with his family and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time."

Straight Blast Gym Ireland head coach John Kavanagh, who was in Ward's corner for the fight with Carvalho and who also trains Conor McGregor, asked for people to respect the privacy of the Portuguese fighter's family.

"Our condolences and thoughts, though, are with Joao’s family and friends and we kindly ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time," he said.

Kavanagh, who also works with the Irish Amateur Pankration Association which represents MMA in Ireland, revealed that the group will be working with TEF to establish the exact timeline of events on the night of the bout.

"The IAPA is working diligently with TEF to gather and evaluate all relevant facts and event processes and will participate in any investigation," he confirmed.