A young mixed martial arts fighter who fell ill and complained of a headache after a fight has died following a week-long battle for his life in hospital.

Lucas Gabriel Peres of the Brazilian town of Peabiru passed away at the age of just 22 in hospital in the town of Sarandi on Saturday, 18th September.

The MMA fighter had been taking part in a K-1 competition in the city of Maringa on Saturday, 11th September. After the event was over, he started to feel ill and complained of a headache.

Hours after arriving home, his family took him to hospital in the town of Campo Mourao, where his condition worsened and he was transferred to hospital in Sarandi.

He remained at the hospital until his death on Saturday, with the cause of death registered as head trauma. At the time of reporting, his body was undergoing a post-mortem.

The organisers of the tournament have said they are in contact with the victim’s family, but have chosen not to speak to the media at this time.

It is unclear if any criminal charges will be pressed over the incident.

There have been at least 16 recorded deaths resulting from sanctioned and unsanctioned MMA contests, with the sport often being singled out for criticism for its violence.

A former World Rugby medical adviser claimed in 2016 that MMA promotes violence in the school playground.

Dr Barry O’Driscoll of Ireland also said MMA was undermining the advances sports organisations have made in dealing with concussions and brain injuries.