CHICAGO — The Midwest fight community is mourning the sudden death of Isaac T. Johnson, a 31-year-old MMA and Thai-boxing athlete who collapsed during a bout Friday night in Cicero, Illinois. He later died at the hospital, prompting investigations from local authorities and state regulators.
Collapsed in Final Round
Johnson was competing in the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium when he collapsed near the end of the third and final round of his heavyweight fight. Event promoter Joe Goytia said an ambulance was called at 8:38 p.m. CT, and Johnson was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:01 a.m. the following morning.
A state oversight employee notified Goytia at around 1:30 a.m. CT that Johnson had passed away.
No official cause of death has been released.
Autopsy and Investigation Underway
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy to determine whether Johnson’s collapse was caused by injuries sustained during the fight or an underlying medical issue. Cicero police and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have both opened formal reviews into the incident.
Officials stress that a final ruling will be issued once all medical and investigative findings are complete.
His First Thai Boxing Bout
Although Johnson was an experienced MMA athlete, Goytia confirmed this was his first-ever Thai boxing match.
The promoter emphasized that Johnson had passed all required physicals and medical checks before stepping into the ring.
Both fighters wore standard protective gear—including gloves, shin guards, and mouthpieces. Goytia noted that while the match was intense, there wasn’t a single clear moment that indicated a catastrophic injury.
“In the back of your mind, you know this is a tough sport… but you never think this would happen,” he said.
“All protocols were followed correctly, but in this case, it didn’t work.”
A Rising Name in the Local Fight Scene
Isaac Johnson was well-known in Chicago’s combat sports community for his calm demeanor, discipline, and dedication to training.
He had been steadily working his way through the Midwest fight circuit, often praised by trainers and teammates as a fighter who “never cut corners.”
Johnson’s appearance Friday was promoted as one of the highly anticipated heavyweight matchups of the night. The event had been advertised as a high-intensity showcase for MMA and Thai-boxing athletes.
Community Reactions
Following Johnson’s death, Goytia released a heartfelt statement on Facebook:
“This is a post I hoped to never make… Isaac collapsed toward the end of his fight. Medical attention was given immediately, and he was transported to the hospital. I was then informed at around 1:30 a.m. that he didn’t make it. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates.”
A Tragic Loss
Johnson’s sudden passing has shaken the regional fight community and raised questions about fighter safety, medical protocols, and the risks inherent in combat sports.
As investigations continue, friends, teammates, and fans are remembering him as a hardworking fighter whose focus and humility left a lasting mark on the Chicago MMA scene.
Rest in peace, Isaac Johnson.
