Ex-UFC fighter Tim Hague dies from ring injuries

A pro boxer who had suffered head trauma during a Friday bout in Edmonton has died, his sister says.

Jackie Neil made a statement on behalf of her family that Tim Hague passed away on Sunday.

The 33-year-old veteran fighter, Hague, was raised on a farm in Boyle, Alberta, and use to compete in the UFC, where he was nicknamed “The Thrashing Machine.”

He was fighting a former CFL defensive end Adam Braidwood at a small venue in Edmonton, AB, on Friday night in a show that was promoted by KO Boxing.

Video's have emerged on YouTube of the fight, showing what appears to be Hague lying motionless on his back after being on the receiving end of a punch to the head from Braidwood.

The statement issued from Hague's family says they are asking for privacy.

“It is with incredible sadness, sorrow and heartbreak to report that Tim has passed away today. He was surrounded by family, listening to his favourite songs. We will miss him with so greatly,” the family stated.

The ECSC (Edmonton Combative Sports Commission), which governs all professional combat sports competitions in the city, released a statement late Sunday prior to Hague’s family announcing his passing.

The ECSC's Executive director, Pat Reid, mentioned that a review is completed immediately after each fight. But added that following the news of Hague’s injury after Friday’s match, the organisation has investigated further and requested reports from all referees, judges, physicians, and everyone else that was assigned to the bout.

The commission is expected to take further action after evaluating those reports.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim and his family,” Reid added at the end of his statement.

Promoter of KO Boxing, Melanie Lubovac, wouldn’t comment on the fight when she was contacted Saturday night when Hague’s family made it public that he was in critical condition, but she did say a statement would likely be issued in the next couple of days.

As a heavyweight jiu-jitsu practitioner, Hague set aside his teaching career to take his first pro MMA fight in 2006.

Hague compiled a respectable 21-13 MMA record before making the switch to boxing after his final pro MMA fight with one of the top European organisations, Absolute Championship Berkut, in July 2016.