GoFundMe campaign set for MMA Fighter who suffered cardiac arrest during fight

08 March 2023

A GoFundMe campaign has been set for MMA Fighter Isiah Abels who suffered a cardiac arrest in the fight this past weekend.

A goal of $50,000 has been set up for the campaign out of which $7,780 has been raised as of writing the article.

On Saturday night in Evansville, Indiana, the 21-year-old faced Saevon Canto. The American suffered a heart collapse just after completing a takedown in the second round.

Despite some initial uncertainty, medical professionals went inside the cage to treat Abels right away.

The Southern Indiana Fight Production, who organised the fight and then postponed the remaining matches on the schedule for the evening, issued the following statement: "We thank everyone for expressing your support during this entire circumstance.

You can see the message from the GoFundMe campaign below.

Hi, my name is Terri Himelick. I am raising money to help Isaiah's family while they are 4.5 hours away from home at his bedside and to help cover some of the medical costs. He started taking taekwondo classes with me at the age of 12 and then switched to mixed martial arts after he received his black belt. He went into cardiac arrest during his third amateur fight at Southern Indiana Combat on March 4, 2023.

CPR was done in the ring and then he was transferred to a nearby hospital in Evansville. His family was able to see him after he was stabilized. He is currently sedated until he can breathe on his own. The doctors are running tests to find the underlining cause. They have tried to take the breathing tube out but he isn't responding the way he needs to breathe on his own. He is surrounded by his Dad, Mom, twin brother and younger sister.

His older brother is taking care of the animals and the household duties in their Fort Wayne home. If you would like to donate to help with travel expenses and medical costs it would be appreciated. Come join the fight with Isaiah by donating, praying or sending encouraging words!

New update from his dad 44mins ago. Isaiah had a second cat scan and mri done today- the doctor said the mei didnt look good- Isaiah has brain damage-due to lack of oxygen to the brain for 3-5 mins.

Best case he has a week to respond to commands like -open your eyes and squeeze my hand. If he cant do this by next Tuesday they will transport him via ambulance ride back to fort wayne. After that his best case would be weeks to months or rehab, worse case he will have lifelong issues. I will be bumping up the goal to help get him back home. Please keep praying

You can contribute to the campaign by clicking here.