Ivan Canello, Former MMAWeekly Colleague, Passes Away

Rest in peace Ivan (Photo courtesy of ManiaMMA)

It is with heavy hearts that we at MMAWeekly.com must pass on the sad news that our friend and colleague Ivan Canello has passed away.

Ivan, a mere 32 years old, had a severe heart attack on Friday, according to Marcelo Alonso of Sherdog.com. We unfortunately confirmed the news with mutual friend Denis Martins. Ivan was heading out to a shopping mall with his mother when he died.

A staple at the Chute Boxe Academy, in recent years Ivan worked as a manager or agent for several Brazilian fighters, including the likes of Strikeforce champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos. He was getting ready to head to the United States with his charges Patricio and Patricky Freire, both fighting for Bellator.

Ivan also left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, focusing on Brazilian mixed martial arts. He worked for a time with us here at MMAWeekly.com, writing a column titled “Pode Pegar,” focusing on Brazilian MMA.

He was a premier contributor to Portal do Vale Tudo since its inception about a decade ago. Ivan also ran his own blog called ManiaMMA.com, and produced videos on his site’s YouTube channel.

“Ivan was a man with a big heart. It may have failed him physically, but never could anyone ever question Ivan’s friendship or sincerity. He put his heart into everything he did, a broad smile across his face,” remembered MMAWeekly.com editor Ken Pishna.

“Ivan will be sadly missed, but I will remember him with that big, ear-to-ear smile.”

“He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and he was taken from us too soon,” said MMAWeekly.com writer Al Yu, who worked with Ivan over the years and considered him a good friend. “He will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend.”

“Ivan was a staple of the fight scene in Brazil and one of the best in the business,” added MMAWeekly.com lead writer and radio host Damon Martin. “While I only worked with him briefly, I know he was a hard worker and one of the most dedicated people to the sport of mixed martial arts.  He will be missed.”

Rest in peace Ivan.