‘You’ll be missed’… Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and more UFC stars pay tribute after shock death of 26-year-old fighter

Key Takeaways:

• MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson has died unexpectedly at age 26.
• Police report the death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.
• Wilson was attending the Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne, New Zealand.
• Prominent UFC fighters have paid tribute to him.
• He had a promising MMA career, inspired by his father.

Shockwaves in the MMA Community

The mixed martial arts world is in mourning following the sudden death of 26-year-old fighter Hakaraia Wilson. Found unresponsive in Gisborne, New Zealand, Wilson’s passing has left fans and fellow fighters grappling with the loss of a promising talent.

Circumstances of His Death

Wilson was attending the three-day Rhythm and Vines music festival when tragedy struck. Police were called to the scene and confirmed his death was not considered suspicious, stating, “The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.” The exact cause remains under investigation, offering little solace to those who knew him.

Tributes from UFC Stars

The impact of Wilson’s death resonated deeply within the MMA community, prompting heartfelt tributes from notable UFC fighters:

• Israel Adesanya , the UFC Middleweight Champion, honored Wilson by sharing a video tribute on his social media.

• Dan Hooker expressed his grief, writing, “Fly high brother,” and added, “You’ll be missed my brother.”

• Kai Kara-France , a UFC Flyweight contender, lamented, “Heartbreaking! Fly high my Māori. Too many of our young tāne taken too soon.”

• Carlos Ulberg , set to face former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC London, shared a photo of Wilson celebrating a victory.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Starting his MMA journey in 2020, Wilson quickly made a name for himself:

• Amateur Record: Six wins and one loss, showcasing his potential early on.

• Professional Record: Four wins and three losses, demonstrating his resilience and dedication.

• Final Fight: In October, he secured a technical knockout against Mark Alcoba in Bali, highlighting his skill and perseverance.

Inspired by Family

Wilson’s passion for martial arts was ignited by his father, a former fighter who guided him from a young age. In a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News , Wilson reflected on his father’s influence: “I started getting into fighting under the guidance of my dad. 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.”

Wilson’s Own Words

After his final victory, Wilson took to Instagram to share his dedication to the sport: “Took an L in May, learned from it & turned da page. 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.”

A Legacy Remembered

While his time was brief, Hakaraia Wilson’s impact on those around him was profound. His dedication, inspired by familial bonds and a deep love for martial arts, leaves a lasting impression. As the MMA community grapples with his unexpected passing, the tributes pouring in reflect a fighter who was not only respected in the ring but also cherished as a brother and friend.