Former Bellator MMA, PFL Competitor Jordan Young Dead at 27

Jordan Young, who fought under the Professional Fighters League banner just this past October, has died at age 27.

Young’s death was announced by his boxing coach, Derik Santos, via Instagram. His passing was later confirmed on social media by his camp, American Top Team, as well as the PFL account. The cause of Young’s death is currently unclear.

It’s with a heavy heart, we have learned about the passing of our teammate Jordan Young. Our team is shocked and deeply saddened by this news. A great teammate, he will be deeply missed by all of us.

Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP to this warrior

— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) December 19, 2021

PFL is saddened to learn about the passing of Jordan Young. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this tragic time. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/PsPAyOxy2y

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 19, 2021

“Life throws challenges at you. I’m in a very saddened mood. Tonight 20 minutes before our fight and subsequent victory I got a call, that one of the fighters I currently did boxing coaching for had passed. I left the locker room quietly, found a dark corner room and I cried. I couldn’t believe it, I could hear his voice in my head. I stood in disbelief before I had to get myself together to do the job. I had grown fond of Jordan,” Santos wrote.

“Like many of the fighters I coached, he fit the type of athlete I enjoyed working with, as I’m sure his other coaches did as well,” Santos continued. “We formed a sincere and respectful relationship He was always so appreciative of the time I gave him. Always replied yes sir to any of my instructions, training advice or strategy talks. He seemed to be overcoming obstacles and I became just a fan of him and that in itself.

“Just a few weeks ago we talked about how excited he was for 2022, and that as soon as he took care of some injury he wanted to schedule getting right back to work with me. When he spoke to me I had such a good feeling for him, he was on such an upswing and positive vibe after an injury plagued career. I was really looking forward to seeing him have continued success after his last big win.”

Young last appeared at the PFL Championship event on Oct. 27, where he defeated UFC veteran Omari Akhmedov via third-round TKO. The Urbandale, Iowa, native compiled a 12-2 mark over the course of a professional tenure that began in 2014. He made his Bellator debut in 2014 and went 6-1 with the California-based promotion before departing following a loss to Julius Anglickas in 2019. He dropped a decision to Tom Lawlor in his PFL debut this past June before rebounding with the aforementioned triumph against Akhmedov.

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