Jiu-Jitsu fighter Leandro Lo, 33, was reportedly fatally injured by a gunshot at a concert in Sao Paulo on Sunday. The Brazilian’s lawyer confirmed, according to a report by «MMA Fighting» that his client died after being declared brain dead in the hospital.
The fatal incident occurred during a confrontation between Lo and police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo, the report said. Witnesses testified that Velozo took a bottle from Los’ table and the fighter then threw the policeman to the ground and held him down, according to MMA Fighting, citing a police report. After the two were separated, Velozo reportedly pulled out a gun and fired a shot in Lo’s forehead.
Lo had dominated the sport since 2011 and won eight world titles, making him one of the most decorated jiu-jitsu fighters of all time. It wasn’t until earlier this year that he won another world championship in California.
“A very sad day for the martial arts community,” tweeted expert and former UFC fighter Kenny Florian. “Leandro was a legend.”