Last week, the MMA community was struck by tragedy when news surfaced that UFC middleweight Josh Samman was found unresponsive in a Florida apartment along with another man who was pronounced dead.
Details regarding Samman’s situation remained scarce as people who were aware of his situation kept reports quiet in regards to the circumstances surrounding Samman’s condition. Fortunately, an update surfaced Saturday afternoon that Samman was alive, however he was in a coma. During that time, rumors began to fly that the situation was the result of a heroin overdose.
Samman’s friend took to Facebook with a statement stating:
“Been kind of numb since yesterday when I heard the news that Combat Night and Island Fights ring announcer Troy Kirkingburg passed away,snd XFC veteran, co-owner of Combat Night promotions, UFC fighter and most of all my friend Josh Samman who was with Troy, is in the hospital fighting for his life,in intensive care,in a coma, on a respirator.”
While the MMA community poured out their support for Samman, there had been no update regarding his condition until now.
Samman’s mother issued a statement through Fox Sports regarding the situation, and refuting the rumors that her son overdosed on heroin, stating:
“Josh is still in a coma, and more tests are being done. That is the latest update on my son’s condition. And in spite of speculation, there was no heroin found in Josh’s system whatsoever. No matter what people are posting on social media. The reason I am making this statement is, because Josh touched so many lives, and loved inspiring others, especially young people. I don’t want them to lose faith in him, and whatever he brought out in them, because of the lies. He would want them to ‘never give up.’”
Stay tuned for updates as they become available, and continue to keep your thoughts with Samman and his family during this time.