Russian MMA star Alexander Pisarev has tragically passed away at the age of 33 after reportedly eating a poisoned watermelon.
The star was found dead at his Moscow apartment by his father.
The Moscow-native had amassed a professional Mixed Martial Arts record of 3-2 since making his debut back in 2015. Not active since 2020, his most notable success in the sport was reaching the final of the MMA European Championships.
“I looked into the room — Alexander and his wife were sleeping. I came closer and then realized that my son was no longer breathing,” said his father Vladimirovich.
“There were fractures of the fingers after the last fights, but this is nothing. We all eat the same food, we live together.”
Pisarev’s team, however, has questioned his father’s statement saying that the MMA champion ate poisoned food. Reports also indicate that his wife was hospitalized after eating the same food.
A statement from the Moscow Region Investigative Committee read: “In Balashikha, an investigation was organized into the death of an athlete as a result of poisoning.
“Investigators, with the participation of a forensic specialist, are conducting an additional inspection of the scene, confiscating items relevant to the investigation, and planning a forensic chemical examination.”