THE PORTUGUESE FIGHTER critically injured at a mixed martial arts (MMA) event in Dublin on Saturday night has died.

Joao Carvalho underwent emergency surgery at Beaumont Hospital following his defeat at the Total Extreme Fighting (TEF) event at the National Stadium but it was confirmed this morning that he died Monday night.

The Vitor Nobrega Team said they were “deeply saddened and dismayed” at the news and went on to offer their heartfelt condolences to Carvalho and his family.

The 28-year-old was defeated by Irish fighter Charlie Ward with the referee stopping the welterweight bout in the third round, after which the fighter was attended to by medical personnel.

The42 attempted to contact EventMed, who were on call to provide medical cover at the TEF event, but were told they would not be commenting.

However, owner Katarzyna Michlic, told SevereMMA:

“The doctors checked him between each round and each time he gave a full response to them. He responded to each question. He was asked where he was, what round he was going in to and what day of the week it was, and all of his answers were perfect.

“When the referee stopped the fight in the third round, our team of doctors and medics looked after him as he was bleeding quite heavily from his nose. He was asked if he felt any pain or was suffering with any headaches directly after the fight, and he said he had no pain or headaches, but he did feel quite tired.”

She also said that Carvalho was “walking, talking and smiling” after being checked out by the medical staff and it was only 20 minutes after the fight that his condition deteriorated.

In a statement today, TEF CEO Cesar Silva said:

“We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Joao 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.”

In a statement released this afternoon, Ward’s coach John Kavanagh said:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Portuguese fighter Joao Carvalho.

“IAPA (Irish Amateur Pankration Association) is working diligently with TEF to gather and evaluate all relevant facts and event processes and will participate in any investigation.

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