Criminal charges contemplated in death of fighter in Dublin

On April 11, Portuguese MMA fighter Joao Carvalho died due to injuries sustained in a fight with Charlie ‘The Hospital’ Ward at Total Extreme Fighting 1 in Dublin, Ireland on April 11. Carvalho lost via TKO in Round 3. Carvalho became unwell about 20 minutes after the fight and was rushed to the hospital. He was pronounced dead two days later.

Both fighters were 1-1 at the time of the fight, and it did not appear to be a gross mismatch. Although there is no regulatory body in Ireland for MMA, the event followed the guidelines set by SAFE MMA, a UK-based non-profit that handles medical regulation. There were three doctors and paramedics present.

UFC great Conor McGregor was cageside watching his SBG-Ireland teammate. In an interview with MMA Connect TV, conducted before the fighter became ill, McGregor commented on the stoppage.

My teammate Charlie had a good win just there – hell of a fight,” said McGregor. “Your man took some big shots. Thought it could have been stopped a little earlier. I feel these referees need to be on the ball a little bit.”

Now Louise Roseingrave reports for Ireland’s The Independent that during an inquest today it was learned that criminal charges are being contemplated. The post-mortem examination revealed that the 28-year-old developed an acute subdural hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Two investigations followed his death, one by the police force of Ireland and one by the national Health and Safety Authority. A police file has been submitted to Director of Public Prosecutions (equivalent to an Attorney General in the USA); Detective Inspector Paul Cleary told the court that criminal proceedings are being contemplated.

Cleary asked for an adjournment to allow further time to make the decision. Coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest until June 2017.