LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 22: In this handout images provided by UFC, (R-L) Chris Barnett punches Ben Rothwell in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Chris Barnett is three fights old in the UFC
Tragedy struck the Chris Barnett household as the UFC star’s fiancee passed away after suffering from encephalitis.
Christopher James, a professional ring announcer, shared the unfortunate news on his Twitter profile.
The update confirmed that Barnett’s wife battled encephalitis for 90 days. However, she passed away recently.
“Sending prayers to @ufc Heavyweight @Beastboy61 aka Chris Barnett and his children as his fiance, the mother of his children passed away this morning after her 90 day battle with encephalitis. Chris is a wonderful man and could use our support and prayers.”
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain and is caused by a virus. There are many symptoms of the infection which include hallucinations, memory problems, vomiting and even seizures.
Barnett has a son and a daughter with his fiancee. We at Mediareferee offer our condolences to the Barnett family during these tough times.
The 35-year-old UFC Heavyweight has fought thrice in the promotion. He came into the promotion with a 21-6 record. The American came in on a six-fight wins streak. However, he lost his first outing in May 2021, against Ben Rothwell.
Beastboy, as Barnett is called, then picked up a win at UFC 268 over Gian Villante. That earned him a Performance on the Night award.
He then took on Martin Buday at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs Muhammad 2. However, that match ended in a bit of controversy as he lost the clash via technical decision.
An elbow to the back of Barnett’s head left him unable to continue, and he was handed the loss.
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