Heartbroken UFC Veteran Mourns Akira Toriyama’s Demise as Dragon Ball Creator’s Death Casts a Dark Cloud Over MMA World

Comic book creator, legend, and beloved artist, Akira Toriyama, has passed at the age of 68. Toriyama was responsible for numerous Manga series perhaps most famous of which was none other than Dragon Ball Z. His loss was mourned by many including UFC pros and legends.

Toriyama was a famed artist and legend in his own right. He has created lovable characters like Goku as well as Arale Norimaki from Dr. Slump, a manga that perhaps gave him the fame and recognition that he deserved. The popular artist passed after suffering an acute subdural hematoma.

This is a bleeding near the brain that ultimately caused his passing. His day of passing was the first of March according to the statement released by his Studio. “It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” the statement from Bird Studio read. “Also, he would have many more things to achieve. . . He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world,” the statement also thanked the supporters. “Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years.”

Toriyama was a brilliant creator and had influenced many great UFC fighters such as Kelvin Gastelum and UFC veteran Michael Chiesa. Here’s how they poured in their love and affection about the passing of the artist on their social media handles.

Michael Chiesa pays tribute to Akira Toriyama after his passing

With a professional record of 18 wins and 7 losses, Chiesa has been with the UFC since 2012. He entered the organization with TUF and has given the promotion some brilliant fights. Upon reading about Akira Toriyama’s passing, he came forward to pay his dues.

Kelvin Gastelum also joined in to give his condolences.

Yet another UFC fighter, Terrence McKinney seemed touched by the news.

Apart from the fighters, fans of Toriyama and his work also lined up on X.

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Some fans admitted that he would never be forgotten

Finally, this fan gave him the GOAT status.

The MMA community is rather shaken by the loss of a legend like Toriyama and so is the anime community. After all, he has created one of the most popular mangas of all time if not the most popular manga of all time. Children and adults of all ages love the characters and action figurines are wildly popular all over the world today. Interestingly still, in a 2013 interview, Akira Toriyama admitted that he had “no idea” how it became so popular. Looking back today, perhaps he did not know his own greatness.

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