Blatnick (photo: playingfieldpromotions.com)

By FCF Staff

One of mixed-martial-arts earliest commentators and advocates, Jeff Blatnick, has reportedly died today in Schenectady, New York. The former Olympic Gold Medalist wrestler was 55.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Blatnick died of heart failure at Ellis Hospital.

Blatnick, who won a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling, began commentating for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1994 and held the position until 2001.

The cancer survivor went on to become a MMA judge, motivational speaker, high school wrestling coach, and father of two children. The MMA advocate also continued to be extremely active in helping promote and legislate the sport.

All of us here at Full Contact Fighter extend our deepest sympathies to Blatnick’s family and friends.