Police found his body when they were called to a sudden death report. A spokesman said: “The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.”

Now the MMA community is mourning the shocking loss of a potential star, just days after boxing fans were stunned by the sudden death of Paul Bamba.

UFC stars pay tribute to Hakaraia Wilson

Wilson began his MMA career in 2020. The welterweight fighter won six times and lost only once during his amateur run, which ended in 2023.

As a professional, he had a record of four wins and three defeats. Wilson’s last MMA fight saw him defeat Mark Alcoba by technical knockout in Bali last October.

Israel Adesanya acknowledged this by posting a video of Wilson on his Instagram Story.

Dan Hooker wrote: “Fly high bro before you share the same clip as Adesanya, which included the caption: “You will be missed my brother.”

UFC flyweight contender Kai Kara-France said: “Heartbreaking! Fly high, my Maori. Too many of our young fir trees were taken too soon.’”

UFC light heavyweight star Carlos Ulberg, who is currently preparing to face former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC London in March, just posted a photo of Wilson celebrating after one of his MMA victories.

Who was Hakaraia Wilson?

Wilson shared his MMA story in a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News. It started at a very young age with the guidance of his father, who was also a fighter and helped his son improve in jiu-jitsu, boxing, karate and kickboxing.

“I started fighting under my father’s guidance,” Wilson said.

“He was a fighter back then and when I was growing up I would go to his training and watch him.

“From then on I knew what I wanted to do and without my father I probably wouldn’t have chosen this sport.”

After his last MMA win, he empathetically posted a positive message about recovering from defeat.

“Took an L in May, learned from it and turned the page,” Wilson wrote on Instagram.

“I’ve been waiting a minute to wash the taste out of my mouth and show how much I’ve grown. A big thank you to my coaches and my people for having my back through everything. Forever in debt.

“I love this shit and I’m here to stay.”

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