Jim Henry, and Karl Etters

Tallahassee Democrat

Josh Samman had returned to Tallahassee and was in the gym Tuesday night doing what he loved best - training and encouraging other mixed martial arts fighters.

Now he's in a South Florida hospital fighting for his life.

A reaction of shock and sadness has spread among friends and across social media with the news that Samman, an Ultimate Fighter veteran and UFC contender from Tallahassee, was found unresponsive early Friday in south Florida.

"There are so many people in town here who were inspired to get into this sport because of Josh," said Sky Rudloe, 36, a fellow MMA fighter and owner of Train. Fight. Win. on West Gaines Street, where Samman worked out.

According to UFC bloggers, media sources and friends, Samman, 28, remains in critical condition Saturday morning. Samman’s roommate and friend Troy Kirkingburg, a 28-year-old who attended Florida State and was an MMA announcer for local Florida promotions, was pronounced dead on arrival. Details are few at this time, but the Democrat has requested an incident report from the local police department.

"We are just sitting here with held breath hoping for the best and praying. It kind of hit us all right in the teeth," Rudloe said. "There's not enough good stuff to say about the both of them. He (Samman) is a tough guy, he fights through things. We are all hoping he comes through."

According to MMA Fighting, a spokesperson for the UFC said the promotion company is aware of Samman's hospitalization and has been in touch with his management team.

Kirkingburg’s obituary posted in his hometown of Hillsdale, Michigan Saturday. His passion for his work as a MMA announcer, his loved ones, music and his dog were central to his life.

“Troy was a big dreamer who positively impacted all the lives of people he knew and loved, and he will be forever remembered by his family, friends and his beloved fiancé,” read his obituary.

Kirkingburg's fiance, local CBS affiliate anchor Charlene Cristobal, said his death has left her and his family in mourning, but they are grateful for the continued support.

"I am extremely heartbroken over the loss of the man who will always be the love of my life," Cristobal said. "I thank everyone for their support, but ask for privacy for his family and me as we mourn our loss."

Samman and Kirkingburg had deep Tallahassee ties but lived in Hollywood Beach Gardens, according to friends.

“I think it has taken a lot of the community and his friends by shock, completely unexpected out of the both of them,” said Tallahassee’s Joe Blackwood, 31. “Both are great, great people who do a lot for the community and are well-known in the community.

“It has completely blindsided everybody.”

The 'rebirth' of Josh Samman

Rudloe said he trained with Samman, were teammates on the same fight teams and fought on the same cards over the years. Their friendship has spanned the past decade, and Rudloe credited Samman for helping build MMA fighting in Tallahassee.

"He raised money for different charities," Rudloe said. "He has been a leader, an organizer."

Tampa ringside announcer and “Cage Side with Christopher James” show host Christopher J. Rothstein posted updates Saturday indicating Samman was on a respirator.

“Been kind of numb since yesterday when I heard the news...” Rothstein wrote on his Facebook page. “Hard to think about the situation without tears coming to my eyes.”

He, like other fans, friends and well wishers in the MMA world, offered his support for his two friends.

“I pray for you Josh, not just to wake up, but when you do, to be able to get through the news of hearing about Troy not being with us any longer,” he continued. “I know you guys are close, and the news will break your heart. I also know you are strong, and have faced the worst in life, and were able to move forward, and live.”

Following amateur MMA fights in 2006, Samman made his professional MMA debut in 2007.

Samman also helped create Combat Night, which has since expanded to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami to become the largest MMA organization in the state.

Additionally, he recently authored his autobiography and was a contributing writer to SBNation and other mixed martial artist websites.

In his autobiography, "The Housekeeper: Love, Death & Prizefighting," released in April, Samman detailed his upbringing - the good and the bad.

“It’s about internal battles that I had, that I think everyone’s had. Self-doubt, rejection, loss. There’s something for everyone, you know,” Samman told The Tallahassee Democrat in July.

On Aug. 30, 2013, Samman's girlfriend Hailey Bevis of Tallahassee died in a single-car accident while the two were texting each other.

Kirkingburg studied business and hospitality at FSU and was in the class of 2010, according to his Facebook page.

FUNDRAISER SET

A fundraiser is scheduled at the Mint Lounge at 215 W. College Avenue on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Donations will be taken at the door and a percentage of all proceeds from sales will be given to support Kirkingburg's family.

Adam Corey, owner of Mint Lounge/The Edison Restaurant invited friends of Samman and Kirkingburg "to gather in memory and support of these two individuals."

On Facebook, he posted the following.

"Last night my dear friend, Troy Kirkingburg, passed away. He worked with me in just about every business and project I have been involved with and he was one of those guys that could make things happen. He also had a way of changing your mood and bringing out the best in people. He always got me to smile, and I loved that about him. His love for others and enthusiasm for life was simply contagious and tremendously enjoyed by all that knew him, which is evidenced by the flood of Facebook posts that people are sending out."