The MMA community has lost a young talent.

Hakaraia Wilson, an MMA fighter from New Zealand, has died at the age of 26, according to several media outlets Te Ao News And The New Zealand Herald.

Accordingly Te Ao NewsWilson was in Gisborne, New Zealand for the Rhythm and Vines Festival at the time of his death. Police told the outlet that they were investigating a “sudden death” on Wednesday, January 1.

“The death is not suspicious and has been reported to the coroner,” police said Te Ao News in a statement.

No cause of death was given for the athlete.

Wilson began his career in 2020 and was reported to have a 4-3 professional MMA record The New Zealand Herald. His last fight took place in October and on November 14, Wilson announced that he had undergone surgery on his left arm.

“Surgery done 🦾,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

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As news of his death broke, Wilson’s colleagues and fans paid tribute to the late fighter.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community – our brother Hakaraia Wilson,” Oliver MMA and Fitness Gym wrote on its Instagram page. “There are no words that can truly describe what we are all feeling right now.”

The caption continued: “Haks, your legacy will live on in each of us – your smile, your laughter, your warmth and your warrior spirit. Take comfort in knowing that your time here, even though it is far too short, has left a mark that will never fade.”

Coconet TV released a tribute video to Wilson that showed him stretching on the sand and connecting with nature.

“A young, talented and wise Hakaraia Wilson 🕊️,” the post’s caption read. “Our deepest condolences go out to the aiga and whanau of Hakaraia Wilson, who was a promising young MMA fighter. May you rest with the ancestors you spoke of so lovingly.”

A fan wrote in a comment on the last post: “A beautiful human being and role model for our rangatahi, a role model and someone my son will look up to in the years to come 💔🪽.”