Amateur MMA Fighter Jake Sendler Dies at 21

Jake Sendler, a 21-year-old amateur MMA fighter from Melbourne, died after being hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition caused by muscle breakdown due to intense exercise. Despite experiencing symptoms like muscle soreness and tea-colored urine, Sendler attributed them to dehydration and was cleared to fight on March 3. Following the bout, he was rushed to the hospital, placed in a coma, and underwent multiple surgeries, but died on March 13. His mother, Sharone, is raising awareness about the condition, which can lead to kidney failure and other organ damage. Reports suggest Sendler had to lose a significant amount of weight quickly before the fight, which may have exacerbated his condition. A GoFundMe page has been created to support his family, raising over $30,000.