Cage Warrior fighter Connor Hitchens passes away unexpectedly aged 26

Connor Hitchens, a former one-time competitor for Cage Warriors, has tragically passed away at the age of 26. It is currently unknown how he has passed.

Cage Warriors and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation president Kerrith Brown issued a statement confirming the sad news.

According to the Sherdog website, Brown said: ''On behalf of the entire International Mixed Martial Arts Federation we are deeply saddened by the passing of Connor Hitchens."

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"We are forever grateful to Connor for his time on the IMMAF platform and proudly representing the UK national team as a distinguished athlete."

Hitchens was a highly touted mixed martial artist in his younger years, representing the UK's national team at the European and World Championships in 2015 and 2016.

A native of Preston, England, Hitchen made his professional debut in 2018, winning six fights and losing two before a sole performance at Cage Warriors.

According to the Tapology website, Hitchens won his first five professional fights in a row, winning in either the first or second round by KO or rear choke.

Hitchens made his lone Cage Warriors appearance at CW 136 in April 2022, falling to Manny Akpan via second-round knockout.

After his defeat at Cage Warrior 136 in 2022, Hitchens has not competed in any professional mixed martial arts since then.

In the amateurs, Hitches put together an extensive career, beating current undefeated Bellator standout Ciaran Clarke.

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