MMA fighter Booto Guylain dies following TKO loss in Africa

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Booto Guylain passed away earlier today (March 5, 2014) due to injuries he suffered in his technical knockout loss to Keron Davies last Thursday (Feb. 27) at EFC AFRICA 27 at Carnival City in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He was just 29 years old.

Guylain (0-2) was reportedly stabilized by the on-site medical team and transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for swelling and bleeding on the brain, according to the promotion's release. Unfortunately, his treatment was uanable to prevent today's tragedy.

From EFC AFRICA president Cairo Howarth:

"We are devastated. This is a huge loss to the sport and to all who know him. Our thoughts are with his family in this trying time."

ONEPLAN -- which provides coverage for athletes competing under the EFC AFRICA umbrella in case of debilitating injury -- will be providing financial support to Guylain's family. In addition, all athletes competing at EFC AFRICA 28 on March 27 will wear black armbands in memory of the fallen fighter.

Unfortunately, death is a part of the fight game and rears its ugly head from time-to-time. Nova Uniao fighter Leandro Souza died last September while cutting weight for his Shooto fight, and Sam Vasquez passed away from head trauma suffered at Renegades Extreme Fighting in late 2008, just to name a few.

For more on Guylain's career with EFC Africa click here.