Hakaraia Wilson, New Zealand MMA Fighter, Dies at 26 After Attending Festival

Mar. 15, 2025

MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson.Photo:Hakaraia Wilson/Instagram

Hakaraia Wilson/Instagram

The MMA community has lost a young talent.

Hakaraia Wilson, an MMA fighter from New Zealand, has died at age 26, according to multiple outlets includingTe Ao NewsandThe New Zealand Herald.

According toTe Ao News, Wilson was in Gisborne, New Zealand, at the time of his death for the Rhythm and Vines Festival. Police told the outlet that they attended to a “sudden death” on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

“The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner,” police toldTe Ao Newsin a statement.

No cause of death for the athlete was shared.

MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson.Hakaraia Wilson/Instagram

Wilson began his career in 2020 and had a 4-3 pro MMA record, according toThe New Zealand Herald. His final fight took place in October, and on Nov. 14, Wilson revealed that he’d undergone surgery on his left arm.

“Surgery done 🦾” he wrote onInstagramat the time. “Be back asap.”

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As news of his death broke, Wilson’s peers and fans shared tributes to the late fighter.

“It’s with profound sadness that we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community—our brother, Hakaraia Wilson,” the Oliver MMA and Fitness Gym wrote on itsInstagrampage. “There are no words that can truly capture what we’re all feeling right now."

The caption continued, “Haks, your legacy will live on in each of us — your smile, your laughter, your warmth, and your warrior spirit. Rest easy, knowing your time here, though far too short, left a mark that will never fade.”

“A young, talented & wise Hakaraia Wilson 🕊️” the post’s caption read. “Our heartfelt condolences to the aiga and whanau of Hakaraia Wilson who was a promising young MMA fighter. May you rest with the ancestors you spoke so fondly of.”

Wrote one fan in a comment on the latter post, “A beautiful human and role model for our rangatahi a role model and someone I know my son will look up to for years to come 💔🪽.”

source: people.com