Fau Vake, a New Zealand-based MMA fighter, succumbed to his death as a result of a suspected attack in Central Auckland. Vake was a teammate of UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at Auckland’s City Kickboxing MMA gym.
Last Sunday, the 25-year-old kickboxer was allegedly involved in a brawl on Symonds Street. Vake was reportedly fighting for his life at Auckland City Hospital after suffering serious injuries. The 2-0 MMA fighter had a three-year-old daughter.
According to the New Zealand Herald, Auckland Police has charged four men in connection with the incident. On Monday, the suspected assaulters appeared in Auckland District Court. According to the paper, two of the four men have been charged with “common assault”, while the other two have been charged with “assault with intent”.
City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman reported earlier this week that Vake was one of four brothers involved in MMA. The coach went on to say that Vake was bound for greatness in the sport and that the former kickboxer would outperform Israel Adesanya in sparring sessions.
Following Fau Vake’s life-threatening assault, ‘The Last Stylebender’ urged his fans to pray for him.
The City Kickboxing team issued a statement
The City Kickboxing team issued a statement earlier in response to the news of Vake’s death. The coveted gym has requested that fans respect the Vake family’s privacy while they mourn.
“He has fought. He has fought every step of the way against catastrophic injuries and it’s only his heart that’s kept him in it for so long,” the tweet read.
Furthermore, City Kickboxing promised to never forget Vake’s bravery. In celebration of Vake’s bravery, the team will continue to train at their gym.
“That’s the best way to honour him but the rest of our time is wrapping around the family and honouring what Fau has brought into our lives,” said coach Mike Angove.
Read more: “Training definitely not the same”: Bareman reveals Adesanya state following Vake assault