The MMA fraternity has lost another one of its own as former UFC flyweight fighter Geane Herrera has passed away. Sharing the same nickname as soccer icon Lionel Messi, ‘La Pulga’ had a very brief run in Dana White‘s promotion. But he seems to have left a good impression among fighters and fans since former champion Henry Cejudo and another UFC fighter joined fans in mourning Herrera’s passing.
Geane Herrera spent almost 8 years in mixed martial arts. But before his UFC advent, the Colombian fighter joined the promotion on an 8-fight undefeated streak. But he couldn’t make much of that opportunity as he lost the 0 in his record soon and competed only four times in the UFC, registering just one win, which came off an impressive knockout. Even though he made little impact in MMA, he sure brought the whole community together with his untimely passing.
As the reports have documented, Geane Herrera, 33, was having a ride on his motorcycle in Tampa, Florida last Saturday night. It was 10.45 PM when his two-wheeler bumped into someone else’s vehicle at a very high speed at Gandy Bridge. The news was first broken by TMZ.
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Their reports stated that Herrera had hit a barrier made of absolute concrete, launching himself off the motorcycle. He did not survive that impact. Sadly, Herrera left an important person behind – his son.
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This news spread like wildfire on social media because notable fighters didn’t take too much time to react to Geane Herrera’s death. Here’s how fellow fighters and fans are feeling about this unfortunate development.
Henry Cejudo and fans share their reactions after Geane Herrera’s death
Geane Herrera’s first-ever UFC opponent, Ray Borg, seemed pretty devastated by this news as he reminisced about sharing the Octagon together almost 9 years ago. “Had the pleasure of sharing the octagon with him in 2015. He was a good guy, my prayers are with him and his family during this tough time.” On the other hand, Henry Cejudo, who never had the chance to fight Hererra, still dropped a like on BKFC’s tribute post to the former UFC fighter.
However, there were a lot of fans, who echoed the same sentiment that most of them had – it was way too early for Geane Herrera. While one said, “he was a good fighter .. that’s terrible,” the other commented, “Gone way too soon. Rest in peace brother.” Likewise, several fans shared a message of considerable significance relating to bikes.
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“Stay off Motorcycles… RIP,” an Instagram user commented. That was followed by another comment: “You are always unprotected on a motorcycle!!!!!” But people were still taken aback by Geane Herrera’s death, who was just about to turn 34. One fan even recalled old memories of working in one of Herrera’s fights behind the scenes and called him a friend.
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“I was honored to not only have worked his fights with BKFC, but I met him when I worked one of his fights abroad in Rimini, Italy. My deepest condolences to the Herrera family. He was a great warrior, a good man and a friend. Rest well Geane,” the aforementioned fan commented. Last, but not the least, “My condolences to family and friends,” stated one fan as he prayed for Geane Herrera’s family.
Geane Herrera switched to bare-knuckle after his stint in the UFC but did not get enough time to prove his mettle. However, the fans and fellow fighters alike remember as a true warrior.