Dada 5000 remains hospitalized
Dada 5000 update: “His Doctors have required that he stay through the weekend and into early next week for continued monitoring and observation.”
Dada 5000, whose real name is Dhafir Harris, reportedly suffered a heart attack after collapsing from what looked like fatigue in a fight with Kimbo Slice at Bellator 149 last week. His family reports he was diagnosed with renal failure, and multiple reports said he nearly died.
Harris had lost nearly 40 pounds to make the 265 heavyweight limit, and the process apparently depleted him. Although he had a record of 2-0, it was against fighters with a combined record of 1-16. Then lone win was a DQ from an illegal kick. His record was thus highly unusual for a main event fight.
His recovery since has been described as miraculous, and his kidneys have apparently started functioning again. Had they not, he would have been in dialysis for life.
However, he remains in the hospital for at least several more days. The latest report comes via his Facebook page.
DHAFIR HARRIS – DADA 5000 MEDICAL UPDATE
We had hoped to bring Dada’s fans and supporters news that he would be released today after completing a full week in the Hospital, however, his Doctors have required that he stay through the weekend and into early next week for continued monitoring and observation. If his progress continues as it has he should be released early next week.
We appreciate the outpour of support from fans all around the country wishing Dada a speedy recovery, your kind words and prayers are heard.
We would also like to thank the good people at BELLATOR, the EMT’s, doctors and nurses at the Hospital, his friends and everyone who has worked their best for Dada to get better. Thank you.
While it is easy to point fingers at Bellator for making what is sometimes termed a “fun fight,” responsibility extends also to we the fans. The Dada vs. Kimbo bout was enormously successful, attracting millions of pairs of eyeballs, including mine. Bellator puts on a large number of highly skilled, technical fights. But if fans continue to vote for “fun fights” with their eyes, there are going to be more of them.
And as long as we are talking Bellator fights. let’s see Justin Wren vs. Kimbo Slice.
And above all, let’s hope Dhafir Harris makes it out of the hospital soon, and healthy.