MMA fighter, 21, dies after suffering injury linked to intense gym workouts

Australian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Jake Sendler, 21, has tragically died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially fatal muscle condition linked to excessive exercise.

Sendler, an amateur MMA fighter, personal trainer, and aspiring PE teacher, collapsed during a fight in Melbourne on March 3. He was rushed to the hospital and placed in intensive care, where witnesses reported erratic behaviour.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases toxins into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure, heart problems, and other organ damage. Symptoms include dark urine, exhaustion, and muscle pain.

Doctors placed Sendler in an induced coma and performed multiple surgeries and blood transfusions in an attempt to save his life. His case was reportedly the most severe instance of rhabdomyolysis his doctors had ever seen. He passed away on Wednesday, March 13th.

"When we got into the ICU, the doctor said when they opened him up again (in another emergency surgery) there was just too much tissue that had died and there was so much damage, there was nothing more they could do," his mother, Sharone Sendler, told News.com.au. "I said to him, ‘it’s OK baby, you can rest now, you fought so hard’ and I kissed him on the forehead and he passed away. It was the worst moment of my life.”

Sendler, known for his knockouts at Mat Master’s Academy, maintained a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and consuming organic foods. He initially dismissed muscle pain as normal soreness and attributed his dark urine to dehydration. He was cleared by medics to fight on March 3, selling 60 tickets to family and friends.

"Right up until the end he put his hands up to show the refs he is not out, so he made it through the full three rounds and was helped to walk out of the ring," his mother said.

Sharone Sendler is now determined to raise awareness about rhabdomyolysis, a "silent killer" that can affect anyone. "Had we known about the early signs, Jake could potentially still be here," she said. A fundraising page has been established in his memory.

"With profound sadness, we share the heartbreaking news that Jake has passed away. Jake was not only a fighter in the MMA ring but also a true warrior in life," a statement on the page read.

The young fighter's death has shocked the Australian MMA community. A fight industry insider alleged that Sendler had been forced to lose a dangerous amount of weight before the bout, reportedly 5-6 kilograms in 48 hours. This extreme weight cutting may have contributed to his condition.

"He told people he trained with on the Friday before the fight, approximately 48 hours before stepping into the ring, that he still had five to six kilos to drop," an insider told News Corp.

"Given that he typically weighs around 75kg, that means he was attempting to lose nearly seven per cent of his total body weight in two days."

His death highlights the risks associated with rigorous training in combat sports like MMA, where intense exercise routines can take a toll on the body.