Jake Sendler, a 21-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Australia, has died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare and serious muscle condition associated with intense physical exertion.

Sendler, who was also a personal trainer and an aspiring physical education teacher, collapsed during a fight in Melbourne on March 3 and was subsequently admitted to an intensive care unit.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure.

Common symptoms of the condition include dark urine, extreme fatigue, and muscle pain.

In Sendler's case, medical professionals indicated that his condition was one of the most severe they had encountered.

After collapsing, Sendler was placed in an induced coma and underwent several surgeries along with blood transfusions in an attempt to address the damage caused by the condition.

He passed away on March 13 after his mother was informed that there was too much tissue damage to save him.

Sharone Sendler, his mother, recounted the heartbreaking moment of his passing, stating, “When they opened him up again...

there was just too much tissue that had died.” She expressed her determination to raise awareness about rhabdomyolysis, referring to it as a “silent killer,” and has stated that knowledge of its early signs might have saved her son’s life.

A fundraising page has been established in his memory.

Known for his knockout ability at Mat Master’s Academy, Sendler was described as someone who led a healthy lifestyle, regularly exercising and consuming organic foods.

He had previously attributed unusual symptoms such as muscle pain and dark urine to dehydration and believed he was fit to fight.

Prior to the match, Sendler reportedly sold 60 tickets to family and friends, showcasing his commitment to the event.

Witnesses described Sendler as tenacious, noting that he continued to fight through the three rounds of his match, showing resilience even in distress.

Reports from within the fighting community suggest that Sendler had been under pressure to lose a significant amount of weight prior to the fight, reportedly 5-6 kilograms in just 48 hours, potentially exacerbating his health condition.

An insider noted that just days before the bout, Sendler communicated to his training partners that he still had several kilograms to lose, constituting nearly 7% of his body weight at a typical fighting weight of around 75 kg.

Sendler's tragic death has raised critical discussions surrounding the health risks inherent in combat sports, particularly the extreme physical demands placed on fighters leading up to competitions and the effects of aggressive weight management practices.