The fighter known simply as “Bomba” has passed away at just 38 years old.
Guilherme Vasconcelos, a former Bellator star who once dated pop sensation Demi Lovato, passed away earlier this week, with family confirming his death on Tuesday. Less than 24 hours prior, the fighter had been active on social media.
Cause of death has not been confirmed.
A report by TMZ quoted the fighter’s uncle, Walter, as saying in part “Life is fleeting, and we woke up to this devastating news. What a time we live in.”
Vasconcelos had not fought in MMA since prior to the coronavirus pandemic, with his last bout coming under the Bellator MMA banner in October of that year. He went 3-3 for the company, with his last win coming in 2018, over Ivan Castillo. “Bomba” also went 0-1 in the UFC in a single appearance for the company in at UFC 175 in 2014.
That fight came after the Brazilian took part in The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3, where he defeated Markus Perez in a middleweight quarterfinal before losing to Ricardo Abreu in the semis.
Prior to their UFC debuts, Vasconcelos also claimed victory over Elizeu Zaleski, who continues to compete for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Broadcaster Jay Glazer, who has worked with both the UFC and Bellator MMA over the years, posted a heartfelt reaction to the loss on social media, urging people struggling with mental health to reach out to their loved ones.
“Gang… please please PLEASE take care or yourself between the ears and behind your rib cage. Pleaseeeee ask for help. I’m begging you all to know that people WANT to help, you’re not putting anyone off or pushing anyone away!!!
We lost a really, REALLLLLLY sweet brother in [Bomba] way too early today. Sweetest cat on the planet. This one is hard, Bomba lived with me for years and was a big brother to my son in some of the most hilarious years of my life… help is ALWAYS right here gang. Please lean into your crew. F*ck me. Love you little bro.
Man this hurts. Love you little bro.”
Guilherme Vasconcelos finished his career in MMA at 10-6 while also competing in grappling.
