Brazilian MMA and Bellator fighter Guilherme, "Bomba" Vasconcelos, reportedly died of unknown causes. He was 38. His death was announced on Facebook by his uncle, Walter Vasconcelos Jr. It is said that Vasconcelos was found dead on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
A Promising MMA Career Cut Short
Vasconcelos began his MMA career as far back as May 2006 at Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. He grabbed attention not only in Brazil but also on the U.S. soil and was a part of the contestants of the Brazilian version of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 3 in 2014.
Finishing with a 1-1 score in the said show, he was promoted to the UFC, according to MMA Fighting. Vasconcelos entered the Octagon in his first UFC fight in July 2014 within UFC 175. He is up against Luke Zachrich in that fight but sadly was defeated through unanimous decision.
While with the UFC for a very short period, Vasconcelos moved on to compete in other MMA organizations and went on to have some very memorable wins, including at Bellator, where he won four of five fights since his stint with the UFC.
"Very sad your farewell, Guilherme Vasconcelos! And so far from us in the USA. My dear nephew, my consecrated godson, father of little Naomi, much loved son of my sister Elisabete Vasconcelos, partner of his brothers, Breno and Isabela, and our extended family who today mourn his premature departure," his uncle Water posted on Facebook, according to Essentially Sports.
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Personal Life and Public Attention
As a former boyfriend of singer Demi Lovato, Vasconcelos became a household name even for non-MMA fans, thanks to the very public relationship he shared with the star. They started dating in 2016 but reportedly broke up late in 2017.
It was something that Lovato shared, frequently tweeting about their relationship on social media, and then in an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to promote her documentary "I Am: Demi Lovato" talking about how happy she was during the time they were together. Their romance, however, ended in reports of a very publicized break-up, though what really prompted it remained unknown.
A Legacy Remembered
Known for his aggressive and tenacious fighting style, Vasconcelos' career was a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows, but he was always kept close to the hearts of the MMA community.
His first win came via a second-round rear-naked choke over veteran Wendell Oliveira, and he didn't waste much time thereafter to become a name in Brazilian MMA circles.
After completing his term in the UFC, he signed on for Bellator where he also ended his career in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of skillful and dedicated fight.
"Of all the students I had, you were the bravest. Fearless, unbeatable. In moments of chaos, a machine. In trivial moments, a sweet boy. We had a machine that had a bit of everything. Your MMA debut, with a win against a man that had won 10 in a row and had 19 fights, was of the happiest moments of my life in the sport. Unbreakable. So many trips together, so many battles. From blue to black belt, from first to last MMA fights. Man, how much I love you. Unbelievable. Rest in peace, brother," Lazzarini posted on Instagram.
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