Russian MMA star Alexander Pisarev has died at the age of 33 after what has been reported as food poisoning from watermelon.
Pisarev, who trained out of Moscow's Tomahawk team, had amassed a professional MMA record of 3-2 during his career, and had succeeded in reaching the final of the MMA European Championships.
On Sunday, 30 October, the 33-year-old was found unconscious in his apartment by his father, Igor Vladimirovich, who had gone out to walk the family's dog.
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Pravda cites Vladimirovich as explaining: "I looked into the room — Alexander and his wife were sleeping. I came closer and then realised that my son was no longer breathing.
"There were fractures of the fingers after the last fights, but this is nothing. We all eat the same food, we live together."
Though Vladimirovich implied he had eaten the same food as his son, an unnamed member of Pisarev's Tomahawk team told Russian news agency Tass that 'according to preliminary data, death was the result of food poisoning.'
"Alexander Pisarev died in his sleep and did not have any chronic health problems," they said.
Pravda is among the outlets suggesting the fighter may have died after eating watermelon, though he also consumed other foods prior to his passing. His wife is said to have been hospitalised during the ordeal.
A statement from the Moscow Region Investigative Committee explained: "In Balashikha, an investigation was organized into the death of an athlete as a result of poisoning.
"Investigators, with the participation of a forensic specialist, are conducting an additional inspection of the scene, confiscating items relevant to the investigation, and planning a forensic chemical examination."
Pisarev's exact cause of death is set to be determined by an autopsy. His relatives continue to insist that he was in good health and had no chronic diseases.
Tomahawk paid tribute to the loss in a statement, saying: "My brother, my friend, my student! Words cannot express the extent of the loss. Alexander Pisarev is the standard of friendship, decency and courage of a Russian person. I and we will miss you!!! Rest in peace our brother."
According to Heathline, fruit including cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew melon have a high risk of causing food poisoning due to Listeria bacteria, which can grow on the rind of the fruit and spread to the flesh. The site advises washing fruit before you eat it to help reduce the risks of food poisoning, and placing it in the fridge if it is not eaten straight away.
Topics: Food and Drink, MMA, Sport, Russia
Emily Brown