Indiana amateur fighter Isaiah Abels in ICU after suffering cardiac failure during fight
Indiana amateur mixed martial arts fighter Isaiah Abels is in critical condition in the ICU after suffering cardiac failure during his bout at the Southern Indiana Combat Production event in Evansville, Indiana over the weekend.
Abels faced off against Saevon Canto in the first bout of the night, and was struck with a counter left hook in the second round. After a clench against the cage, Abels attempted to come forward, but collapsed to his knees unexpectedly. The bout was immediately ended and the cageside doctor as well as first responders immediately attempted to resuscitate him inside the cage. He was intubated and transferred to the hospital, where he was stabilized.
Reports are that the 21-year-old suffered heart failure. An updated report from sources confirmed that he is still in critical condition as of Monday, May 6 and that he is currently on a ventilator and not breathing on his own.
The remainder of the event was cancelled with SICP posting the following statement on their Facebook page:
We thank everyone for showing your support through this whole situation.
First, we want to wish a speedy recovery to Isaiah Abels in hopes that he can regain all strength and abilities as quick as possible. To him and his family, we will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Next, we want to thank the cage side doctors and first responders who worked briskly to provide care to Isaiah. You are greatly appreciated.
To our fans, we thank you for attending the event last night, in person or by ppv. Please hold all ticket stubs and receipts, and stay tuned for more information. We want to thank all who were in attendance last night for the overwhelming support shown to our fighters and your understanding and patience in the matter. Please continue to keep Isaiah and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you
SICP Family
MyMMANews also received a statement from the Indiana Gaming Commission, which regulates MMA in Indiana:
“The IGC regulates to our legislative mandate and prioritizes the safety of participants. The decision to cancel the remainder of the event was made based on the seriousness of the situation, respect for the injured participant, and due to concern over the appropriateness of expecting staff and officials to support additional bouts after such a traumatic and challenging incident.”
Abels trains out of Lee Brothers MMA and Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and hails from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was 2-0 heading into the bout after making his debut in 2021.
