Update on UFC middleweight Josh Samman’s condition

Earlier this week, the MMA community was struck by tragedy when it was revealed that former Ultimate Fighter season 17 contestant, and UFC middleweight Josh Samman was found unresponsive in a Florida apartment.

In addition, it was revealed that Samman’s friend, Combat Night and Island Fights ring announcer Troy Kirkingburg was found with Samman, and was unfortunately pronounced dead.

While details regarding the situation remain scarce, one of Samman’s close friends, Christopher Rothstein, took to Facebook to update the MMA community on Samman’s situation:

Been kind of numb since yesterday when I heard the news that Combat Night and Island Fights ring announcer Troy Kirkingburg passed away,snd XFC veteran, co-owner of Combat Night promotions, UFC fighter and most of all my friend Josh Samman who was with Troy, is in the hospital fighting for his life,in intensive care,in a coma, on a respirator.

Hard to think about the situation without tears coming to my eyes.

Josh has been through some incredibly hard things over the last few years. From facing the possibility of not just his career being over too soon because of an injury,but having to face losing his leg because of said injury. He made it through.

Dealing with the death of his girlfriend Hailey a couple of years back,was excruciating for him. And watching him go through that was rough to see from the outside. Yet he made his way through that,although I am sure it still haunts him.

This morning, he is again in a fight for his life.

I can’t understand how,or why we are at this juncture in life. And why Josh has had to deal with so much darkness in his life. A life that is so full of joy,and potential. Success, and love from so many people that are in his life. Josh has been blessed,and those that know him feel they are blessed to have him in their lives.

I will continue to pray that he survives this tragedy,for so many people will be devastated if he doesn’t , of which I am one.

I pray for his mother to be able to take her beloved son home.

I pray for Mitchell Chamale his business partner,but really a brother from another mother to be able to stay strong as he deals with the loss of Troy,and the uncertainty of Josh’s situation. I love ya Mitchell.

And I pray for you Josh,not just to wake up,but when you do, to be able to get through the news of hearing about Troy not being with us any longer. I know you guys are close,and the news will break your heart. I also know you are strong,and have faced the worst in life,and were able to move forward, and live.

So many people have you in their thoughts and hearts my friend, we just need you to wake up,and we’ll be there to help you get back to living.

#prayersforjosh #riptroy #keepthefaith

Stay tuned for what we hope will be positive updates on this situation as they become available, and please keep Josh Samman, his friends, and family, in your thoughts during this time.