Referee Jimmy Chappell raises the hand of Michael Dessino after his victory at PA Cage Fight 29
Michael Dessino, amateur MMA fighter, killed in fiery car crash
The mixed martial arts community is mourning 29-year-old, Bloomsburg, PA native, Michael Dessino, after the amateur fighter passed away from injuries sustained in a horrific car accident on Saturday night.
According to the coroner, the accident happened at around 11:30pm on May 30, after Dessino was struck by another car at the on-ramp near SR 15 North at Old Rt. 15.
The coroner and Pennsylvania State Police Milton Barracks are investigating this accident.
Dessino was an extremely talented wrestler and coach.
He was undefeated as an amateur MMA competitor, going 4-0. His last bout lasted just 47 seconds as he finished Keman Jackson at PA Cage Fight 29 on September 22, 2017.
“Michael was one of the most professional amateurs, I have dealt with,” said promoter Paul Matreselva Jr. “He was one of the most respectful fighters in the state. Everything from his mouth was ‘Yes, Sir, Thank you Sir.'”
“His coaches Joel Knott and PJ Sweda knew he was something special,” Matreselva continued. “He would have had more fights but nobody would fight him. 29-years old, this is a total tragedy. He had so much life left to live.”
Dessino leave behind a wife, Katrina, who is pregnant with their unborn child. The couple were married just last year.
A GoFundme has been set up and as of press time has almost reached its $65,000 goal in just one day.
