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Tributes have been paid to an amateur female kickboxer "with a beautiful soul" who died after suffering a brain injury after a fight.

Sai Aletaha, 26, was taken ill following the bout at Central Hall in Southampton on Saturday night.

She was taken to Southampton General Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning where she sadly died later that day.

Hampshire Police released a statement late this afternoon revealing the tragic news that she had passed away.

Event organiser Lookborai and Exile Gym said that Sai was left in a critical state "that she tragically has not recovered from".

Police have launched an investigation into the death of Sai who was fighting in the 19th instalment of the Fast and Furious Fight Series.

(Image: Facebook)

An advert promoting the event said the night had a "huge variety of fights on the card from K-1, Muay Thai to MMA, and fighters of all ages and experiences taking part. All on a really professional looking stage."

A statement posted to their Facebook page read: "Following the show Saturday we regret to announce that following one of our matches, one of the competitors, Sai Aletaha from Lookborai who lost, unfortunately suffered an injury leaving her in a critical state that she tragically has not recovered from.

"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 through out with Doctor, Paramedic and Ambulance on site alongside our experienced team of staff with numerous first aiders, safety is not something ever skimped on in any of our 19 shows and all matches are made equal.

(Image: Facebook)

"Thoughts of course go out to all family, friends and team mates, if anyone needs any support please come to us or your coaches.

"Thank you to our team on the night who acted with utmost professionalism and carried their duties out above and beyond to react to the situation, and again we are here for any of you that needs it in this sad time."

Another statement on Exile Gym's Facebook page pays tribute to Saeideh.

"Following the show Saturday we regret to announce that one of our team mates unfortunately suffered an injury leaving her in a critical condition that she tragically will not recover from.

"Saeideh Aletaha was a lovely character with a beautiful soul. Her dedication to the sport was 110% traveling miles every day just to train.

"She found her place with us just a few months ago but has become apart 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. Our thoughts and preys [sic] go out to her family.

"If there is any questions or if anyone feels they need support at this time please please do contact us."

(Image: Facebook)

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "We were called shortly before 1am on Sunday 17 November by colleagues at Southampton General Hospital informing us of a woman who was being treated in hospital for a life threatening brain injury.

"The woman, aged 26, died in hospital later that day.

"Enquiries into exactly what happened are ongoing.

"Next of kin have been informed."

A spokesman for the South Central Ambulance Service told Mirror Online: "We had a call from Central Hall in Southampton at just after ten minutes to 9pm.

"The call stated there was a patient who had been fighting in a martial arts sport and had collapsed.

"We sent an ambulance, and there were medical staff at the scene.

"The patient was taken to hospital and handed over in a serious and life-threatening condition."