MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson, 26, dies after attending New Zealand music festival

MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson has tragically died at the age of 26 after attending a music festival in his home country of New Zealand.

Wilson, a welterweight prospect who turned pro again in 2020, was in the New Zealand city of Gisborne for the ‘Rhythm and Vines’ festival when he died suddenly on Wednesday morning. His cause of death is currently unknown.

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

The Rhythm and Vines Festival was held from December 29 to 31, with the final day ending in the early hours of Wednesday, January 1.

After launching his professional career in 2020, Wilson had compiled a 4-3 record as an MMA fighter before his death.

His last appearance, a win over Mark Alcoba in Bali, came in October.

The 170-pound fighter devoted most of his life to martial arts, with Jiu-Jitsu being his discipline of choice.

He was recently based in America under the Bellator MMA promotion.

More to follow.