The MMA world is in mourning today as our worst fears were confirmed regarding the health of UFC middleweight and former Ultimate Fighter star Josh Samman.
Samman, 28, had been in a coma for several days after being found unconscious with his roommate who was confirmed dead at the scene in their apartment at the weekend. The circumstances surrounding his death are still unknown, but his passing was confirmed this afternoon and an autopsy is expected to provide the cause of death in the coming days.
TMZ spoke to the county coroner who suggested that the manner of his death made it difficult to suspect anything other than drugs was the cause. Samman had struggled with addiction in the past but appeared to be on the right track as his UFC career was progressing well despite facing defeat in his last two bouts, the most recent a KO loss to Tim Boetsch in July.
Samman was also an extremely talented writer and was tipped for a career in MMA journalism once his fighting days had ended, but tributes have been pouring in following the tragic news.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Josh Samman. Tough, tough day. He was a talented young man. RIP Josh.
— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) October 5, 2016
RIP Josh Samman. Horrible news to hear. Prayers to his family.
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) October 5, 2016
Josh Samman will be badly missed. Never a bad word about anyone. Always thoughtful and kind. Awful loss https://t.co/zfbS7vEzPN
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) October 5, 2016
Sad news in the combat sports world again. ? RIP Josh Samman.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 5, 2016
RIP Josh Samman. Hands down one of the nicest guys I ever had the pleasure of coming across whilst covering this sport . ?? https://t.co/PoIJ7yAtbQ
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 5, 2016
Hard to go about my day with the passing of @JoshSamman. 2morrow is never promised. So today I will live and celebrate life #rip brother.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) October 5, 2016
Very sad to hear about Josh Samman passing away.
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) October 5, 2016
Josh Samman badly wanted to work in TV and we talked about it a lot. He hoped to get an audition @ FOX soon. Regret we never got that done.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) October 5, 2016
RIP Josh Samman; his head-kick victory at UFC 181 will live long in the memory@BrianStann just told me Josh often donated to @HireHeroesUSA
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) October 5, 2016
This is just brutal. Such a talented guy. Rest In Peace Josh. #RIPJosh https://t.co/srKHaZ5eu2
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) October 5, 2016
My time with you will always be cherished. May you rest in peace my friend. @joshsamman pic.twitter.com/v10ZaJB87E
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) October 5, 2016
Wow. Just heard Samman passed away after being in a coma. Very unfortunate news. #RIPSamman
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) October 5, 2016
Today is a very sad day I have lost one of my #TUF17 brothers, joshsamman . Dude was a Warrior… https://t.co/YnqkVsrCHz
— Gilbert Jamal Smith (@JamalSmithMMA) October 5, 2016
