Isaac Johnson, MMA fighter, collapses and dies during match in Chicago: Check cause of death as probe continues
Things took a drastic turn after Johnson collapsed due to an injury during the third and final round of his bout against fighter Mario Aleksandrovski at the Matador Fighter Challenge at Cicero Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025, according to NBC 5 Chicago and Fox 5 Washington, DC.
A town spokesperson told NBC 5 Chicago that an ambulance was called at 8:38 p.m. local time to transport a “wounded warrior” to the hospital. Multiple reports claimed that Johnson later died at Loyola University Medical Center at 12:01 p.m., sources said. It was also reported that this was Johnson’s first Thai boxing match.
Autopsy will reveal cause of death
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (CCMEO) said an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death, based on reports.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is investigating the incident, Fox 5 Washington DC reported. PEOPLE has reached out to CCMEO and IDFPR for comment.
What is Matador Warrior Challenge?
The Matador Fighter Challenge is described as an “action-packed showdown” that “brings you the ultimate MMA and Thailand event where local fighters will battle in high-stakes, high-intensity matches,” according to the website.
Event organizer Joe Goytia said Johnson passed the state’s required physical tests before the game, Fox 5 Washington DC reported.
“This is a post I hope never to make. Last night, one of the fighters at our event, Isaac Johnson, collapsed near the end of his fight. He received medical attention from medical personnel and was transported to the hospital. Then around 1:30 this morning I was notified that he had not made it,” Goytia wrote on Facebook after Johnson’s death.
“I can’t find words to express how I feel right now. All I can say is my deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. We will know more as his medical report is released,” he added.
