A tragic death leaves the MMA community in mourning

A tragic death leaves the MMA community in mourning.

The MMA community was left in a state of shock today as news surfaced that beloved coach Robert Follis had passed away.

The former head coach at Xtreme Couture, Follis was beloved by many fighters and members of the mixed martial arts community.

With that said, many individuals took to social media where they shared their love for the former Team Quest co-owner.

Stunned and saddened to hear about Robert follis passing. We both graduated as instructors under @aliveness_ape he went on to do great things with Team Quest and more recently Extreme Couture. A truly great coach who was always quick to offer advice. RIP Robert

— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) December 17, 2017

Sucks to wake up and hear this news. RIP @robertfollis such a nice guy. pic.twitter.com/gU8knnBmyh

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 17, 2017

I became good friends with Robert Follis throughout filming of TUF 25 I just stayed at his house last week I haven’t heard what happened can anyone fill me in? He was an awesome guy and the more I got to know him the more respect I had for him

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) December 17, 2017

As one of the founding members of Team Quest and Xtreme Couture MMA it is with great sorrow that we say good bye to Robert Follis. Robert was a friend, coach, mentor, and philosopher of martial arts to many of us. It is with a very heavy heart that I write this tribute to a man that touched so many. Death is like the sun. There is no escaping it. It infuses every part of our lives, but it doesn’t make sense to stare at it too long. That becomes a real challenge when someone you know, love, and respect ends their life. This is where Robert has been since his brothers passing a couple years ago and where we are left now. It is very easy to get caught up in the urgency that comes from the limited span of our lives. It can push us to obsess over life’s meaning in the time we have. But obsessing over it, and staring directly at it too long can blind us to the possibilities of living. Robert was a Hero to many. Heroes have the whole earth as their tomb . . . There is, enshrined in the chest of every person he touched, a record unwritten with no tablet to preserve it. It’s that which he imprinted on our hearts. What lives on is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what he has woven into the lives of others. Those who have lived with us become a part of us. We honor the dead by living their values. Through our efforts, we ensure that the good things they stood for continue to stand even when they are gone. Robert stood for many good things. Let’s let Our actions become a living memorial to Robert Follis. R

A post shared by Randy Couture (@xcnatch) on Dec 17, 2017 at 3:34pm PST

Heart Broken to hear the news about Coach Robert Follis. My thoughts are with his family,… https://t.co/VZ3jpvQgdn

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) December 17, 2017

Robert Follis you will be missed! These little speeches people take for granted. As an teacher and student I will always remember and learn what you have taught. #youwillbemissed #rip #xtremecouture #follismma pic.twitter.com/NMHTSOhmRo

— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) December 17, 2017

You don’t realize how much of an impact you had on my life. A good coach is so much more than someone to teach techniques. Through the darkest moments in my career and life you’ve helped me see the light and keep pushing. I thank you for everything and apologize for everything more. The next gold belt is for you.

A post shared by MTP (@motownphenom) on Dec 17, 2017 at 9:57am PST

I just heard the news of Robert Follis' death.

I knew Robert from the beginning of his MMA career and transition to coaching. He has always been a kind and supportive person and I have enjoyed a long friendship with him

Heartbreaking. You will be missed my friend.

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) December 17, 2017

Absolutely awful to hear that Robert Follis passed away 😫 That man helped a ton of fighters, directly and indirectly. Hard to think of all the loved ones he leaves behind. 💔 for everyone that was close to him, I’m so sorry.

— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) December 17, 2017