Report: Kimo Leopoldo dead at 41 because of heart attack complications (Updated)
by MMAmania.com on Jul 21, 2009 9:19 AM EDT
112 comments
UPDATE: Despite an early morning report from TMZ that was followed up by the New York Daily News, MMAmania.com is happy to pass along the good news that Kimo Leopoldo is NOT dead according to his attorney. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Mixed martial arts journeyman Kimo Leopoldo reportedly died last night from complications caused by a heart attack, according to several published reports. He was 41 years young.
The UFC veteran last competed inside the Octagon at UFC 48 in 2004, losing to Ken Shamrock via first round knockout (knee). He fared no better in the last performance of his career, which was a technical knockout loss to Wes Sims at Extreme Wars 5: "Battlegrounds" in 2006.
Kimo (10-7-1) is perhaps best known for wearing down Royce Gracie in a losing effort at UFC 3, thus allowing Nebraska police officer Steve Jennum his 15 minutes of fame.
Throughout his 12-year career, Kimo struggled with substance abuse. He tested positive for steroids several times, including after his last fight with Shamrock and prior to a scheduled bout against Bas Rutten at the World Fighting Alliance that never materialized.
Kimo -- who made an unsuccessful bid to become the executive director of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) -- was also recently held by police for drug possession in Tustin, Calif., after authorities spotted the ex-fighter wearing a Long Beach Police Department jumpsuit complete with patches and a cloth badge.
It’s unclear at this time if drugs played any role in his untimely death or if it was due to natural causes. R.I.P. Kimo: Jan. 4, 1968 to July 20, 2009.
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Drugs will do it to ya. RIP! waste of life but it’s your life to waste I guess.
by getrawbc on Jul 21, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Always liked Kimo, sad news. The most enduring memory I will have of him is Royce Gracie trying to yank out all his hair in a desperate bid not to get beaten. Them were the days!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that was a great fight. It scored pretty high on the countdown if I remember. Its always a sad day when a fighter dies. Let that be a lesson to you BJ… you better quit using steroids. LOL!
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
R.I.P. Don’t do drugs kids. What a waste.
by DSmith on Jul 21, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a shame. Peace out Kimo.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 21, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its odd how many stories get posted on here from unreliable sources. Is this a reliable source?
by RoJ on Jul 21, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I retract my previous statement… BJ, start using steroids.
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kind of odd. I was a youth Pastor back when Kimo was fighting, and he was doing video taped messages geared to keeping kids off drugs. He even played the part of a drug dealer in a christian film called “Riot”. I guess he never really figured out which way he was going. What a drag.
by Jrandolph on Jul 21, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“It’s unclear at this time if drugs played any role in his untimely death or if it was due to natural causes.”
Steroids. Case closed.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steroids dont kill you. My money is on meth, stress, and booze
by baby_eddie on Jul 21, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong. IF the cause of death was heart attack complications then the main cause was steroids.
Other drugs will obviously add to the mix.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course steroids don’t kill you. Look at all the former pro wrestlers who are now in their 40s and 50s who are leading healthy, productive lives. (eyes rolling).
by PW on Jul 21, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats the same as me telling my girlfriend that pot doesn’t make you dumb… It just doesn’t fly no matter how much you want to believe it.
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s all about the choices you make while using steroids, not saying roids are not too blame, but very likely it was because of Kimo using mixtures of drugs and roids and alch etc…
by Crackbaby on Jul 21, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would you take steroids without meth?? That would just be fn boring……….lol :D
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i love a good misconception about steroids.
most likely dead from other substance abuse
by lee on Jul 21, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love a good post devoid of any thought.
“Some health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart.”
Copied and pasted.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OJR is right long term steroid use usally leads to heart failure with or without the use of other drugs.
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PW is right, see pro wrestling’s list of guys dead before they’re 50 and tell me steroids are harmless!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think with the wrestlers it’s often a combination of painkillers and ‘roids. But yeah, anyone who tries to tell you steroids aren’t harmful is either a mouthpiece for the bodybuilding industry or an incredible idiot.
I’ve seen articles suggesting steroids do not damage the body, and these articles are laughably refuted and overruled by the vast majority of medical evidence on the subject. They are usually written by doctors or ‘experts’ who are in the employ of bodybuilding and supplement companies.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 21, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its pretty funny the way people are defending steroids… even though Kimo is alive… how lame of a human being are you that you think its ok to do steroids…
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks doc. i guess we don’t need that pesky autopsy now.
by JB on Jul 21, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JB-
BTW, I also do mouth cleanings with my penis. Ask your mom.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what happened i thought you where above this kind of shit ojr? lol
by shogun on Jul 21, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I relapse once in awhile.
I am only human.
Shrug
;)
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mouth cleanings with your penis?? I doubt that is very sanitory. lol
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dragon-
I know, very immature of me but that post just irritated me for some reason.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OJR-
I thought it was hilarious!! Can’t wait till this weekend to use it one my buddies!!
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes OJR, you don’t have to apologize for making us laugh…
I’m gonna steal that too..
by nobody on Jul 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, sad. I met Kimo a few times at LA Fitness in Tustin, Ca where he frequently worked out. You won’t meet a nicer guy in the world, really. He always looked intimidating, but he was a really humble, super-friendly guy. RIP to one of MMA’s pioneer competitors.
by Damian James on Jul 21, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will always remember Kimo as the fighter who started the blueprint on how to beat a skilled Jiu jitsu guy. Just go balls out, use your strength, and keep punching him in the face. He lost the fight to Royce Gracie at ufc 3 but Gracie dislocated his shoulder in the fight and was unable to continue. A great fight that I will always remember.
by Kdog on Jul 21, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I lost respect for him when I saw him and that fat, stubby little Asian guy return to the cage right after they found out Royce couldn’t continue to the final because he was injured. They boasted and screamed like they accomplished something. How pathetic, to boast at another guy’s misfortune. It’s not like he beat Royce. That was a pathetic display.
But it’s sad to hear about this nonetheless. When he copped that knee from Shamrock at UFC 48, he was a good sport about it.
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That fat stubby dude was Joe Son. He went on to play Random Task in Austin Powers. haha
“Josondo”
by Cut the Blue Wire on Jul 21, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I guess he made amends then. Or did he? . . . (eerie ooooooooooh noise.)
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A paedophile? In the movie? In real life? I suppose so; he was so small, he could have put on a Bananas In Pajamas backpack and pretended to be a school kid to deceive them. So it makes sense.
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was arrested this year I think for rapeing a young girl in the back of his car like 15 years ago or something.
Keith Hackney got some justice for that girl at UFC 4, truely eyewatering !!!!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i heard that as well he was in trouble with the law for having fucky photo’s of miners
by ruan-fuy on Jul 21, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhh it kind of rings a bell, a very VAGUE bell, but a bell nonetheless. JEE-ZUSS!
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirty photos of miners, huh? Does the little light on their hats turn him on?
by PW on Jul 21, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He just likes the smell of coal.
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He just likes the smell of coal.
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the double post!! It makes me laugh cause I know how bad it sucks when it happens to me!! I enjoy when it is someone else!!
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s disgusting. Find a pro if you are that desperate.
by OJR on Jul 21, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Dirty photos of miners, huh? Does the little light on their hats turn him on?”
LMAO!
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will never get over that stunt. Kimo tapped, but then re-entered the cage as if he was conquering warrior. And people say Brock over reacts!
by Nate on Jul 21, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know Kimo struggled with some demons, hopefully he finds peace. RIP Kimo.
by MMAMoneyLine on Jul 21, 2009 9:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s really young to go. RIP to a MMA pioneer.
by Kimura88 on Jul 21, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“several published reports”!? How about a link to one please?
by Dan on Jul 21, 2009 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Next ufc hall of fame inductee?? lol jk jk
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 9:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good to see the REAL Dragon posting!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes but HOW do we KNOW it’s the REAL DRAGON?
Prove it Dragon, PROVE IT.
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Attack Matthew McConneghy while he shoots giant spears at you!
by Sp00ner1234 on Jul 21, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know one way to prove it. I love FEDOR!!!! (no gay)
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good suggestions, boys. Now Dragon, don’t let us down now . . .
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it’s good to be back, had a 3 day weekend and was extremely busy yesterday, although I did see that fn poser posting again, anyway good to be back and thanks for the support :D
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if I donaate halve my heart to save a dying boy, then find out years later he is an evil prick?? Would that do it??
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been fighting to defend your good name on the Bizzzzbing post from yesterday, good to have you back Dragon!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only posts I see from imposter dragon say that fedor sucks…he’s becoming more annoying than the guy that claims Cote is the best P4P fighter in MMA
by McArthur on Jul 21, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, no, Dragon, the Fedor line was proof enough. You did it in the style of Fedor in that you held back, you COULD HAVE breathed fire if you wanted to, but no need for overkill. Nice job.
by Kobajack on Jul 21, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF?? I was getting ripped on the pissbing post?? O well, :D thanks for taking up for me k-dog, I will do the same if the occasion ever arises. I got your back holmes!!
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously how do you not love FEDOR?? And who the f thinks that cote is the best p4p fighter?? I have seen the posts but can’t remember the name……..
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah not ripped but the fake dragon was posting balls so I told him he wasn’t the real dragon! Don’t want people thinking it’s you posting such anti-fedor rubbish!
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I read the posts, you pwned him big time!! I hope peoepl don’t think that that botards posts are mine I like to think I have a decent name around these parts…..lol
by Dragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As far as I know, TheDragon has been posting longer than Dragon, so I guess TheDragon is the real Dragon…NOT! Bruce Lee is bozos! Machida is just a pretender, hehe!
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Jul 21, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rip kimo i shall never forget you and who was the baddest man of huntington beach california
mma4all !!
by sander on Jul 21, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kimo was a hardcore partier. I partied with him like 8-9 yrs ago and he was hardcore into the ya-yo and crystal. The only problem is that he never slowed down and this is the outcome. He was a really cool and down to earth guy. RIP!
by MMA ANALYST on Jul 21, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shame if it’s true but it’s not suprising news in all honesty, this is what happens when people take steroids, so many sportsmen have died at an early age because of it. I honestly don’t know why people take these drugs in the first place, hopefully other fighters will learn from Kimo’s mistakes.
by David W-S on Jul 21, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wasnt he a religious freak too? And I could be wrong, but I never heard or read of anyone being ‘addicted to steroids’.
Again, I could be wrong but the only impression I ever got of this guy (starting immediately at UFC 3) was he was a bit, I say bit, I mean a total, cock.
Contribution to mankind, or even MMA? None. To me, just another dead guy steriod user.
by UK_Chris on Jul 21, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You missed your vocation chris. The Times are loking for an obituary writer, I think you should apply lol
by attakdog on Jul 21, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
obviously you know nothing of addiction kimo was a friend of mine and you are an asshole
by c on Jul 21, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s the deal? Is this real or just a troll job?
by SHORT_BUS on Jul 21, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s a Troll job… the original thread on the UG has been frozen and moved to the What If folder.
by Dan on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They froze the Mask threads when they first started to surface too. That’s just Kirk doing damage control in case it is a troll. If it’s real (like Mask) he’ll unfreeze it.
by SHORT_BUS on Jul 21, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
suffering from loneliness with Joe Son in prison is probably a contributing factor
by liukangstoupee on Jul 21, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
like bobby bouchers mom once said…..meth is the devil!!!!
by lefthook187 on Jul 21, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone ignorant enough to say steroids needs to do some major research. METH!!!!!
by Brent on Jul 21, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone ignorant enough to blame it on steroids need to do major research. Meth!
by Brent on Jul 21, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sure this is a setback but I am sure he will train hard and in no time be back in his prime.
Within 6 months he should have his heart attach rehabbed and be in the mix at HW. War Kimo!
by kibbled_bits on Jul 21, 2009 1:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Affliction is still trying to sign the guy for their next event 8 months from now.
by jay on Jul 21, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF, are you guys going to confirm this or retract it?
by SHORT_BUS on Jul 21, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s on hundreds or at least 5 other sites all saying the same thing. I think you can safely say he’s dead. If not I’m sure someone he knows would have set the record straight by now. RIP.
by jay on Jul 21, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Note: This source is being questioned. We will update this story as soon as possible … hopefully it’s good news. Apologies for any confusion between now and then.”
Irresponsible journalism!!!
by MM1986 on Jul 21, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why would this site post rumours like this?
Fuck, the guy may or not be DEAD…you guys should give your heads a shake for jumping on something like this without doing research first.
Hopefully his family and friends don’t find out about his supposed death on your website.
Shame…shame.
by introvert on Jul 21, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kevin Iole twitter…
“Just spoke to Kimo’s publicist. He was NOT in Costa Rica last night. Was in Orange County and alive at 11. No one has heard from him today”
“Coroner in Huntington Beach has no record of him dying”
by Dan on Jul 21, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well it is decided than. Iole said it so it is so.
by jay on Jul 21, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
People on this site should probably do their research a bit more before posting shit.
by Khaos_Warrior on Jul 21, 2009 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s still alive so I guess we can go back to pretending he doesn’t exist. All is right in the world again.
by jay on Jul 21, 2009 6:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This isnt even the first time OMA has succeeded with this exact same troll. Hahahaha he fucking owned a lot of people.
by Scott on Jul 21, 2009 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
is he really gone or was this a trick now funny people he is a real friend of mine since elementry and he was cool to tlak to even if i looked like the good year blimp he was still my friend.
by joanna alvarez on Jul 21, 2009 10:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very unprofessional and amateurish to jump the gun like that, mania. Hopefully you learn from this.
by Gen on Jul 21, 2009 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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