Earlier today, the MMA world was shocked by the news that legendary coach Robert Follis had passed away. The news originally started to break on Twitter, but his passing was confirmed on Facebook by girlfriend Myra Fukuno:
Robert Follis, a man who has touched and changed so many lives, passed away on Dec. 15, 2017.
He was kind. He was loving. He was compassionate. Robert was an incredible teacher, who opened our minds and created a space where we knew learning was possible. He had a way of pulling the best out of us. He will be remembered as a beloved friend, brother, son, mentor, and coach by many.
If he touched your life, if he helped changed your life, please be kinder. Be gentler. Be more compassionate. You may change someone else’s life, and that’s how Robert will continue to live through all of us. He wanted to live his life with passion and energy, and he should be remembered for the way he motivated and inspired those around him.
Robert was my best friend, my therapist, and the absolute love of my life. He was my favorite adventure partner, in life and love. He was my better half, and my whole heart. He gave me the best years of my life, and I am deeply honored that he chose to spend the rest of his life with me. He was a big believer in reincarnation, and I cannot wait to meet him for the first time again.
It is the space between the notes that makes the music.
Please know that the Follis Family will need considerable time. We would like to request peace and privacy at this time.
If you have a story about him or pictures you would like to share, please do so here so that all of us can may visit different parts of his life. If you would like to share something more privately, I’ve set up an email address that some family members will be able to access. Stories, photos, etc are welcome. We may not be able to respond, but please know that we will sort through them as part of our healing process. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Memorial service information will follow at a later time.
In the short history of mixed martial arts, only a few coaches have built legendary reputations, but Robert Follis was one of them. Follis was the head coach of the original Team Quest which produced UFC champions Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, Matt Lindland and many other world class fighters. Later he moved to Las Vegas to be the head coach of Xtreme Couture where he coached Miesha Tate to a world championship and coached several other UFC fighters including Bryan Caraway and Kevin Lee.
Follis was one of the most respect men in mixed martial arts and his passing has surely saddened the many athletes and fans he worked so hard for. The cause of his passing is yet unknown but at behest of the family they have requested privacy in what is a trying time for them.
Many of Follis’ athletes, former athletes, and friends honored him on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc0ANGRDqL0
https://twitter.com/roynelsonmma/status/942518812372623360https://twitter.com/JoshLBarnett/status/942492351632691201
Robert Follis, you will be missed, but not forgotten.
