One of the most successful Brazilian jujitsu competitors, Leandro Lo, has been shot in Brazil.
Key points:
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Witnesses say Lo had a physical altercation with an off-duty police officer, prompting the officer to shoot him
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Lo was declared brain dead at the hospital
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Many notable MMAs are paying tribute to Lo on social media
Lo, 33, was out with friends at the Clube Sírio — a sports and social club located in the Saúde district of São Paulo.
According to a police report seen by local media, Lo was approached by off-duty military police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo.
A police report stated witnesses said Mr Velozo grabbed a bottle from Lo’s table and made threatening gestures with it, prompting the two to have a physical altercation.
After they were separated, Mr Velozo allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Lo in the forehead.
According to the martial artist’s family lawyer, he was rushed to hospital, where he was declared brain dead.
No further information about his condition has been released.
Local media reports said an attempted murder investigation had been opened and police were searching for the suspect.
A black belt under Cicero Costha, Lo was one of the most successful jujitsu competitors of all time, winning eight International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships as a black belt since 2012.
His death sent shock waves through the combat sports community.
Many notable MMAs paid tribute to Lo on social media in the hours after news broke.
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Professional Fighters League analyst and former UFC fighter Kenny Florian said it was “a very sad day for the BJJ community.”
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Lo won gold in the light heavyweight division earlier this year in California.
The 33-year-old had victories in the World Cup, Pan American championships and Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships.
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