Ex-UFC fighter dead at age 33 after tragic motorbike incident

A former UFC star has died in a motorbike incident in a tragedy that has rocked the sport and the 33-year-old’s young family.

Geane Herrera steps onto the UFC scales. Photo: Instagram, @chejitsu.

Former UFC star Geane Herrera has died at the age of 33 after a tragic motorbike incident.

Herrera enjoyed an MMA career that saw him winning a staggering 10 out of 13 fights.

According to TMZ, the Colombian great died after a fatal accident in Tampa, Florida, just a week before his 34th birthday.

The same source cited information from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, who claim the flyweight crashed into the back of another vehicle at a “very high rate of speed”.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the second vehicle was unharmed, The Sun reports.

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The popular fighter is survived by his 16-year-old son and his girlfriend, who is three months pregnant.

Herrera enjoyed a successful MMA career that saw him winning a staggering 10 out of 13 fights.

Herrera’s family posted on a GoFundMe page: “Geane you will always be in our hearts.

Geane Herrera in the Octagon. Photo: Instagram, @chejitsu.

“Geane leaves behind a 16-year-old son, his 3-month pregnant girlfriend, mother, father, sisters, a brother and a family that loves him and will deeply miss him.”

Herrera’s MMA debut took place in 2011 when he beat Andrew Connors via unanimous decision at Real Fighting Championships 23.

That kick started an incredible career that saw him enjoying an eight-match undefeated run in the octagon.

That ultimately led to a UFC call-up 2015, but he lost his debut in Dana White’s company to Ray Borg via unanimous decision.

Geane Herrera steps onto the UFC scales. Photo: Instagram, @chejitsu.

Herrera fought three more times under the banner and beat Joby Sanchez before losing to Ali Bagautinov and Ben Nguyen.

Tributes started to pour in on social media following the heartbreaking news.

Borg posted on Instagram: “He was a good guy, my prayers are with him and his family during this tough time.”

A number of MMA fans also took to social media to share their condolences.

Geane Herrera fights Ben Nguyen of Australia. Photo: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy.

One supporter posted: “Rest in peace UFC gem, Geane Herrera. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time.”

Another tweeted: “Rest in peace, Geane Herrera.”

A third wrote: “He was a talented fighter.”

And a fourth fan said: “Damn, that’s really sad. 33 is way too young. RIP Geane Herrera.”

Herrera’s last MMA fight took place in 2018 when he defeated Darren Mima via submission at ACB 85.

He also competed in bare-knuckle boxing but only fought once in 2021 when he beat Abdiel Velazquez via TKO.

— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission