That makes Vasquez the first mma fighter in the sports 14-year history to die, in part, as the result of injuries sustained in a regulated mma event.

Vasquez was recently taken to the hospital after being knocked out in the third round of his fight with Vince Libardi on Oct. 20. He remained there until he was taken to a local hospice on Nov. 30, according to Sherdog.com.

While the official cause of Vasquez’s death has yet to be released. His wife has stated that he underwent surgery when he got to the hospital to remove a blood clot in his brain that had likely existed prior to his fight with Libardi. This has led to strong speculation that Vasquez may have had a pre-existing condition.

Further complications, including another clot, fluid on his brain and swelling led to a massive stroke that resulted in a coma.

The following post was made by Vasquez's wife, Sandra, on TXMMA.com two days before her husband's death:

“I do not hold anyone responsible for what has happened, and I know in my heart that Sammy doesn’t either ... Please do not speculate as to what, when, where, who or how. It’s part of life, things happen.”

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