It's a dark day for the controversial sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Joao Carvalho, a Portuguese MMA fighter, has passed away days after fighting in a Dublin bout.

The Total Extreme Fighting contest took place at the National Stadium in Tallaght between Carvalho and Charlie Ward, who trains at the same gym as Conor McGregor, SBG Ireland. Ward won by technical knockout in the third round.

The Portuguese fighter was was examined by doctors after the fight on Saturday, then sent to Beaumont hospital for check ups. On Monday he was rushed to ICU, but tragically died on Monday night.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Joao Carvalho following an event in the National Stadium on Saturday evening,” remarked Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. I expect that there will now be an investigation and I do not propose to comment any further until the results of that investigation are known.”

“We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Joao Carvalho’s and his teammates in Team Nobrega," said Total Extreme Fighting CEO Cesar Silva. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We’d also like to thank all sports fans for their concern and support.

“We will give whatever support we can to Joao’s family. We have been in contact with his family and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time.”