Full Contact Fighter Database

Home

>

News

>

Article

Media

Sunday, Jan 17, 2021

Report: MMA Pioneer Paul Varelans Dies After Battling COVID-19

Paul Varelans (photo via Facebook)

By FCF Staff

One of MMA’s pioneers, Paul Varelans, has reportedly died after contracting COVID-19 a few weeks ago.

Recently UFC co-founder and Hall of Famer Art Davie reported that Varelans had contracted the virus and that the 51-year-old was on a ventilator. It was reported that Varelans’ condition was improving, but more recently there have been multiple reports the ex-fighter has passed away.

Varelans made his pro-debut in 1995 at UFC 6, and knocked out Cal Worsham, before being stopped by ‘Tank’ Abbott. In the proceeding years, the massive, 6’8 heavyweight went 9-9.

Varelans’ last bout was in 1998, when he KO’d Dick Vrij at a Rings of Holland event.

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:38 am
Have a comment about this story? Please share with us by filling out the fields below.

Comments are closed.