Opponent speaks out as Edmonton launches independent investigation into tragic death of Tim Hague

Was the death of Tim Hague preventable?

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight bruiser, who crossed over to boxing after a lengthy career in mixed martial arts (MMA), died on Sunday (June 18, 2017) as a result of injuries sustained in his knockout loss to fellow pugilist Adam Braidwood.

Our full report here.

Shortly after his passing, the city of Edmonton launched a third-party investigation into Hague’s untimely death, which is expected to review the “policy, procedures, training, and equipment pertaining to combative sporting events,” according to MMA Fighting.

The bout was sanctioned by Edmonton Combative Sports Commission (ECSC).

“I was like, ‘It’s time to stop this fight,’” Braidwood told CTV News about his dazed opponent. “I was hoping Tim would stop it himself. If he doesn’t than we have to finish it until it is done. Tim was still there and he said he wanted to keep fighting and so that’s what happened. He wanted to keep fighting so we kept fighting.”

Hague, no stranger to short-notice fights, was a late replacement against Braidwood, who is ranked No. 1 in Western Canada and needed just two rounds to end the lopsided affair.

The 34-year-old “The Thrashing Machine” suffered eight knockouts in 13 losses in cagefighting, and despite a submission win over stocky striker Pat Barry back in 2009, was unable to find success as a UFC heavyweight.

A GoFundMe page to help with his final expenses has been created here.