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‘You’ll be missed’… Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and more UFC stars pay tribute after shock death of 26-year-old fighter
The sudden death of an MMA prospect has rocked Israel Adesanya and several other UFC stars.
Hakaraia Wilson has died aged 26. The Kiwi fighter was in Gisborne, New Zealand to attend a three-day music festival called Rhythm and Vines.
Police found his body when they were called to attend to a sudden death, with a spokesperson saying, “The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.”
Now the MMA community is mourning the shocking loss of a potential star just days after boxing fans were stunned by the sudden death of Paul Bamba.
UFC stars pay tribute to Hakaraia Wilson
Wilson started his MMA career in 2020. The welterweight fighter won six times and lost just once during his amateur run, which came to an end in 2023.
As a professional, he boasted a record of four wins and three losses. Wilson’s final MMA fight saw him beat Mark Alcoba by technical knockout in Bali last October.
Israel Adesanya paid tribute by posting a video of Wilson on his Instagram story.
Dan Hooker wrote: ‘Fly high brother before sharing the same clip as Adesanya, which included the caption: ‘You’ll be missed my brother.
UFC Flyweight contender Kai Kara-France said: “Heartbreaking! Fly high my Maori. Too many of our young tane taken too soon.’”
UFC light heavyweight star Carlos Ulberg, who is currently preparing to face ex-champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC London in March, simply posted a photo of Wilson celebrating after one of his MMA wins.
Who was Hakaraia Wilson?
Wilson told his MMA story in a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News. It began at a very early age with some guidance from his father, who was also a fighter and helped his son become skilled in Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, karate, and kickboxing.
“I started getting into fighting under the guidance of my dad,” Wilson said.
“He was a fighter back in the day and, as I was growing up, I’d go to his training and watch him.
“From then I knew what I wanted to do and so, without my dad I probably wouldn’t have chosen to do this sport.”
After his final MMA win, he posted a positive message about bouncing back from defeat in empathic fashion.
“Took an L in May, learned from it & turned da page,” Wilson wrote on Instagram.
“Been waiting a minute for a chance to wash dat taste out of my mouth n show how much I’ve grown. Shout out to my coaches n my people for havin my back thru it all. Forever in debt.
“I love this s*** & I’m here to stay.”
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The MMA community is in mourning following the tragic death of 26-year-old fighter, who passed away unexpectedly. UFC stars such as Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker have taken to social media to pay tribute to the young fighter, sharing their memories and expressing their condolences to his family and friends.
Adesanya wrote, “You were a warrior inside and outside of the cage. Your passion for the sport was infectious and your smile lit up the room. You’ll be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Hooker also shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s hard to believe you’re gone. You were a true talent and a great person. My thoughts are with your loved ones during this difficult time. Rest easy, brother.”
Other UFC stars have also joined in paying tribute to the fallen fighter, sharing their own stories and memories of him. The loss of such a young and promising talent has left the MMA community in shock, but it has also brought them together in support of one another during this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the fighter during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, and know that you will be missed dearly.
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- Israel Adesanya
- Dan Hooker
- UFC stars
- Tribute
- Shock death
- 26-year-old fighter
- MMA community
- Condolences
- Remembrance
- MMA tragedy
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