MMA Fighter Died Of Cardiac Arrhythmic Disorder
PORT HURON (WWJ/AP) - An autopsy has found that a Nigerian man who collapsed and died after a mixed martial arts match in Michigan was killed by cardiac arrhythmic disorder.
The St. Clair County medical examiner's findings were released earlier this week into the death of 35-year-old Felix Nchikwo. Doctors say the cardiac arrhythmic disorder resulted in Nchikwo's sudden cardiac death.
Authorities have said Nchikwo told a trainer he wasn't feeling well after losing an April fight at a Port Huron American Legion Post. He then collapsed and later died.
Authorities say Nchikwo was living in Canada on a student visa.
Days after Nchikwo's death, the Michigan House approved a bill that would impose regulations on amateur mixed martial arts events. The bill sets rules such as requiring that fighters receive medical clearance and requiring that an ambulance been on site during the often bloody fights.
The bills, passed by a 106-3 vote, would establish an advisory commission to oversee the events. Promoters would be required to provide at least $10,000 in insurance coverage for fighters, and participants would have to be at least 18 years old. Fighters also would have to submit tests proving they aren't carrying blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis B.
The bills are now awaiting approval in the Senate, where similar measures stalled last year.
MORE: Mich. House OKs Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Rules
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