MMA fighter Joao Carvalho dies following TKO loss in Dublin

A sad day for the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.

Portuguese welterweight and top Nobrega Team prospect Joao Carvalho died on Monday night after last weekend's technical knockout (TKO) loss to Charlie Ward at the Total Extreme Fighting (TEF) Championship event inside the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

He was just 28 years old.

All safety protocols were followed by the book before, during, and after the contest, according to Nobrega Team, and Carvalho was alert and able to walk under his own power. Unfortunately, his condition quickly deteriorated and he was Beaumont Hospital where he underwent brain surgery.

He remained in critical condition until his untimely passing.

"We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Joao Carvalho and his teammates in Team Nobrega," Cesar Silva, CEO of TEF wrote in a prepared statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We'd also like to thank all sports fans for their concern and support. We will give whatever support we can to Joao's family and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time."

For more on the life of Carvalho head over to his team's Facebook page here.