Brazilian fighter reportedly in critical condition in Ireland
Brazilian fighter Joao Carvalho is reportedly in critical condtion after being rushed to the hospital after a fight with Charlie Ward in Dublin, Ireland.
Ireland’s The Independent is reporting that Brazilian fighter Joao Carvalho is in critical condition, after losing to SBGi fighter Charlie ‘The Hospital’ Ward via TKO in Round 3, at Total Extreme Fighting 1 in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday night. According to Carvalho’s team Facebook page, the fighter was checked out by officials ringside, but 20 minutes later felt ill, and was advised to go to the hospital.
The symptoms are typical of bleeding into the brain, as well of course of many other conditions. The Irish Daily Star reported that Carvalho underwent emergency surgery and was in ‘critical’ condition. His coach, Vitor Nobrega? is believed to be with him bedside.
Both fighters were 1-1 going into the fight.
TEF CEO Cesar Silva released a statement to SportsJoe.ie.
Our thoughts are with Joao Carvalho, his family and Team Nobrega. Joao’s welfare is our primary focus at this moment in time but we will update you on Joao’s condition as it becomes clearer although he is in a very serious condition having felt unwell after the fight. If you could respect Joao Carvalho and Team Nobrega’s privacy at this time, it would be greatly appreciated.
In the run up to the event we also consulted with medical practitioners, neurosurgeons and combat sport experts. We had also three doctors and paramedic staff present on the night.
Their presence and adhering to best practices ensured that the seriousness of Joao’s condition was recognized and swift action taken and we are thankful for their help. Serious injuries like this are rare worldwide in MMA but it is important that every possible precaution is taken to ensure every competitor’s welfare.
Silva also spoke with The Daily Star, and noted the event followed the guidelines set by SAFE MMA, a UK-based non-profit that handles medical regulation.
“[The] fight was SAFE MMA approved, with three doctors and paramedics present.
“Their presence and adhering to SAFE MMA regulations ensured that the seriousness of Joao’s condition was recognised and swift action taken and we are thankful for their help.”
Conor McGregor was cageside watching his teammate. In an interview with MMA Connect TV, conducted before the fighter became ill, McGregor said he thought it could be been stopped earlier.
My teammate Charlie had a good win just there – hell of a fight,” said McGregor, as transcribed by PunditArena.com. “Your man took some big shots. Thought it could have been stopped a little earlier. I feel these referee’s need to be on the ball a little bit.”
To see the way it’s all progressed, the regulations and everything – all the medical staff and everything. It’s proper now. To see this is great.”
Mixed martial arts is a combat sport and combat sports can be dangerous, even when reasonable precautions have been taken. Our hearts at this point go out to Carvalho, his family, and his team, as well all wish him a complete recovery.