UFC Fighter Dead At 28, Former WWE Star Fighting Next Month, BJ Penn Out Of Return Fight
- UFC fighter and former Ultimate Fighter competitor Josh Samman has passed away. He was 28 years old.
Samman fell into a coma last week and was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, which confirmed his death on Wednesday. Police had been called about a possibly drug overdose, and officers discovered Samman and a deceased person at the location, identified as Troy Jeffrey Kirkingburg, who lived there. Samman's cause of death is currently unknown. There were not any signs of foul play.
Samman's story was already one filled with tragedy, as he was texting with his girlfriend at the time of her death in an auto accident. He also detailed his battles with substance abuse in numerous articles written online.
Samman's fighting career saw him go 12-4 overall and 3-2 inside the Octagon, including a loss in July to Tim Boetsch. His most memorable performance came in 2014 when he delivered a head-kick knockout of Eddie Gordon.
- Former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn will not be returning later this month at UFC Fight Night 97, according to a report by MMAjunkie. Penn, who was attempting his return after a two-year hiatus, suffered an injury. No official word yet from the UFC regarding the planned October 15 main event fight vs. Ricardo Lamas.
Penn's previous return was scheduled for earlier this year, but after disclosing the use if an IV – banned under the USADA anti-doping policy – "The Prodigy" was hit with a six-month suspension. He has gone 16-10-2 over his career, including a dozen wins inside the Octagon.
The last time Penn fought was in 2014 when he was defeated by Frankie Edgar. The 37-year-old has been training at Jackson-Wink MMA in New Mexico for his return.
- David Cash, who competed in pro wrestling under the name "Kid Kash," will compete at Valor Fights on November 5 in Nashville. Cash, 47 years old now, fought for the WWE, TNA and Extreme Championship Wrestling and many other promotions before retiring in December.
"For me, it's not about the money," said Cash in an interview with MMAFighting. "I had a lengthy wrestling career, and I did pretty good while I was wrestling. But right now, I've had enough of that. But I still have that drive to compete. I'm a competitor. I like to drive myself harder than probably anyone you know, and I always want to see how far I can possibly take myself."
According to Valor Fights, Cash has a record of 7-3 in mostly unsanctioned fights. His only fight on record came in 2008 when he lost to Bryan Brown via decision. He is a former WWE cruiserweight champion.