UFC veteran Ryan Jimmo killed in hit and run

Tragedy has struck the mixed martials arts world as it is being reported that former UFC fighter Ryan Jimmo has been killed after a hit and run in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Canadian news outlet CBC shared the following information:

Homicide detectives are investigating a hit and run on Whyte Avenue that left one man dead Sunday morning.

Police say an altercation occurred between the drivers of two vehicles at around 2:15 a.m. in the parking lot of the H2O Lounge, on Whyte Avenue and 101st Street.

The 34-year-old driver of one vehicle walked up to the occupants of the other vehicle. When he began to walk away, police say the suspects’ vehicle accelerated and struck him before leaving the scene.

The suspects’ vehicle, a dark-coloured pickup truck police say was occupied by two Caucasian males, then fled eastbound on Whyte Avenue in the westbound lane and nearly hit a red car.

The truck was last seen near Whyte Avenue and 99th Street.

The 34-year-old man struck in the parking lot was treated and taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries shortly afterwards.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

Police say it’s not known if the victim and the suspects knew each other.

Ryan Jimmo (19-5 MMA) went 3-4 while fighting under the UFC banner. “The Big Deal” scored highlight reel  knockouts over Anthony Perosh and Sean O’Connell during his time with the organization.

Jimmo’s biggest career achievement came in February of 2011 when he earned the MFC light heavyweight championship by defeating Dwayne Lewis via third-round TKO. He would defend the title on two occasions before moving on to join the UFC ranks.

The 34-year-old Canadian was a true gentlemen and an excellent ambassador for mixed martial arts.

I personally had the pleasure of meeting Ryan on a couple of occasions and it breaks my heart to report this story. RIP.