Bellator fighter Cris Lencioni, 28, in ICU after cardiac arrest
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Cris Lencioni went into cardiac arrest while training at a gym on June 8 and has stayed in the hospital ever since.
PHOTO: CRISSUNSHINEMMA/INSTAGRAM
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LOS ANGELES – Cris Lencioni, a fighter with American mixed martial arts promotion Bellator, suffered cardiac arrest while training earlier in June and is currently in an intensive care unit, his family said on Monday.
The incident happened when the 28-year-old was training at a gym on June 8 and he has stayed in the hospital ever since he collapsed, according to his wife, Marca, on Instagram.
“We are currently in another state,” she wrote while using Lencioni’s account. “He has been under the care of excellent doctors with I and much of his family by his side.
“We are all hopeful for the progress we know he will continue to make... We are currently in uncharted territory and taking everything day by day.”
The details of his condition have not been revealed.
“We are aware of Cris Lencioni’s current medical condition and are monitoring the situation closely,” Bellator said in a statement via broadcaster ESPN. “We ask you to join us in sending thoughts and prayers to Cris and his family as he navigates his recovery process.”
Lencioni (11-3), who made his Bellator debut in 2017, is a featherweight whose next scheduled fight was set to take place against James Gallagher at Bellator 298 on Aug 11 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
There was also a GoFundMe set up by his family that describes Lencioni as “quite a character, quick to tease and make jokes, has the most infectious laugh and is always so full of light and life”.
“Cris is a natural entertainer, his MMA persona makes him so fun to watch. He loves working with children and has often made sure kids were able to participate in tournaments and train (in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) in his gym regardless of their ability to pay,” it added.
“He has always talked about the importance of mentoring kids and being there to support kids who are struggling with hard things. His gym and kids’ programme is his passion project.”
Lencioni’s mother-in-law, Angela Hibbard, also said on the page: “This was completely unexpected, considering he is only 28 and in peak physical condition.
“Cris is currently in the ICU in his biggest fight yet. We believe in the goodness of God, and we don’t know anyone with more will, strength and determination than Cris... we have faith in his ability to overcome any obstacle.” REUTERS
