UFC fighter Josh Samman remains in coma

By Damon Martin
Published

UFC middleweight Josh Samman remains in a coma after being found unresponsive in his apartment a few days ago in Florida.

A report that originally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat confirmed that Samman, 28,  was found along with his roommate, MMA ring announcer Troy Kirkingburg, who was pronounced dead on arrival after authorities discovered the scene.

According to MMAFighting.com, UFC officials have been made aware of Samman's condition as the former "Ultimate Fighter" contender fights for his life while still in critical condition.

Local MMA reporter and ring announcer Christopher Rothstein forwarded a statement from Samman's mother on Sunday to FOX Sports.

"Josh is still in a coma, and more tests are being done. That is the latest update on my son's condition," Samman's mother said in the statement. "And in spite of speculation, there was no heroin found in Josh's system whatsoever. No matter what people are posting on social media.

"The reason I am making this statement is, because Josh touched so many lives, and loved inspiring others, especially young people.   I don't want them to lose faith in him, and whatever he brought out in them, because of the lies.  He would want them to "never give up."

Samman first debuted in the UFC as part of the cast of "The Ultimate Fighter" season 17 where he was coached by interim light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Since that time, Samman has amassed a 3-2 record inside the Octagon including a spectacular head kick knockout over Eddie Gordon back in 2014.

Samman also released a book titled "The Housekeeper: Love, Death and Prizefighting" where the middleweight competitor addressed a number of subjects including his struggle with drugs as well as the loss of his girlfriend, who died in a car accident in 2013.

Kirkingburg's fiancee Charlene Cristobal also issued a statement regarding his death to the Tallahassee Democrat after his passing.

"I am extremely heartbroken over the loss of the man who will always be the love of my life," Cristobal said. "I thank everyone for their support, but ask for privacy for his family and me as we mourn our loss."

FOX Sports will update this situation with more information as it becomes available.