Geane Herrera, a former competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday. The 33-year-old athlete, who was just days away from his 34th birthday, was known for his vibrant spirit and dedication to his craft.
The fatal incident occurred around 10:45 PM at Gandy Bridge when Herrera, driving at a "very high rate of speed," collided with the rear of another vehicle, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The impact sent Herrera crashing into a concrete barrier, hurling him hundreds of feet and causing his motorcycle to burst into flames. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle remained unharmed.
Herrera, a California native, embarked on his professional combat sports career in 2011, defeating MMA fighter Andrew Connors by unanimous decision at RFC 23. The flyweight fighter boasted a 10-3 record, including two knockouts and six submission wins. He also claimed a BKFC victory in 2021.
His family described him as "full of life" and "always trying to live life to the fullest." They said, "He was a dedicated athlete with big dreams of making a difference and leaving his print in this world." Known for his jovial nature, Herrera "left a mark in everyone that came into his life."
Herrera, also known as "La Pulga" or "The Flea," was a proud Colombian-American. He made his UFC debut in 2015, and despite a few losses, he managed to secure a win against Joby Sanchez by TKO. After his departure from UFC in 2016, he returned to competition in ACB in 2018, where he secured a quick submission victory over Darren Mima. In 2021, he signed with BKFC and defeated Abdiel Vasquez by TKO in his debut.
Herrera is survived by his 16-year-old son, his girlfriend who is two months pregnant, his parents, and siblings. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses. His untimely death is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for those who seem invincible in the ring.
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