MMA loses respected figure with Tuff-N-Uff exec Barry Meyer's unexpected passing

Mixed martial arts today lost one of its finest representatives as Tuff-N-Uff President Barry Meyer unexpectedly passed away.

MMAjunkie.com spoke with Meyer’s brother and Tuff-N-Uff Vice President Jeff Meyer, who confirmed Barry succumbed to a years-long battle with depression and ultimately took his own life. He was 42 years old.

“Barry fought valiantly against depression for several years,” Jeff said. “Today, unfortunately, he lost that battle.”

Barry was a lifelong practitioner of traditional martial arts and a black belt in tae kwon do who promoted martial arts competitions for nearly 20 years. Barry was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2010.

He and his brother founded Tuff-N-Uff, which has promoted amateur fights in Las Vegas since 2003 and has recently seen the likes of UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and Ryan Couture compete in its cage. MMA notables Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones, Jesse Taylor and Nick Thompson were among countless others who also competed under the Tuff-N-Uff banner. Meyer also previously served as co-promoter for Chuck Norris’ World Combat League and BodogFIGHT, as well as an Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship North American Qualifier.

Meyer was previously a hedge-fund trader but walked away from the lucrative industry to pursue his passion of MMA.

“Rest In Peace, Barry Meyer,” Jeff wrote on Facebook. “You were the best brother a guy could ever ask for and I will miss you always.”

Memorial services for Meyer are still being planned. Jeff, who was still understandably shaken by the sudden passing of his brother, wasn’t immediately ready to speculate on the future of the Las Vegas-based promotion.

The mixed martial arts community has been quick to offer notes of support following the initial news of Meyer’s unexpected passing.

MMA Community has suffered a great loss in the passing of @tuffnuff Pres Barry Meyer We send our deepest condolences pic.twitter.com/LKoXTHvXzl

— InvictaFights (@InvictaFights) October 16, 2013

Super bummed to hear about the passing of @tuffnuff founder Barry Meyer… He was a awesome guy and will be greatly Missed!!

— John Wood (@bigwoodmma) October 15, 2013

Fucking crushing news today. My great friend Barry Meyer gave me my start in MMA 5 years ago with @tuffnuff & gone today. What a great guy.

— Jimmy Jones (@JimmyJMMA) October 16, 2013

I just have to say thank you Barry for the privilege you have given me to be able to fight for you guys @tuffnuff

— #MustBeNice (@shaiboy645) October 16, 2013

Sad to hear Barry Meyer of @tuffnuff passed. He was a great guy, and a great businessman. Gave a lot of fighters their first shot.

— Bronson (@WWEBronson) October 15, 2013

Saddened to hear about the passing of Barry Meyer of @tuffnuff. He offered so much opportunity to many MMA stars & was a tremendous man. RIP

— Dave Farra (@DaveFarra) October 15, 2013

Saddened to hear about the passing of Barry Meyer, President of @tuffnuff – one of the good guys in MMA. Condolences to his family & friends

— Las Vegas Fight Shop (@LVFightShop) October 15, 2013

R.I.P. To MMA Pioneer Barry Meyer from #TeamPLUS. You had such and impact on the sport we love @tuffnuff #MMA #PIONEER

— MMAPLUS (@MMAPLUSMagazine) October 16, 2013

I’m very sadden to hear of the passing of Barry Meyer from @tuffnuff today. He was a truly great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.

— Jason Mahoney (@MahoneySucks) October 15, 2013

I’m lost for words hearing of Barry Meyer’s passing. He & brother @TuffNUffJeff founded @tuffnuff, always a measuring stick for U shows. RIP

— Jay Tan (@jaytan716) October 15, 2013

Rest In Peace Barry Meyer of @tuffnuff. You affected a good many people’s lives and your loss will definitely be felt.. #fb

— Tracy Lee (@mstracylee) October 15, 2013

Sad to hear that @tuffnuff president Barry Meyer has passed away. He was a great person and a huge contributor to amateur MMA.

— Robert Sargent (@MMARising) October 16, 2013

My heart goes out to the @tuffnuff family, family & friends of Barry Meyer. Sending my love. What a great man.

— Ashlee Evans-Smith (@AshleeMMA1) October 15, 2013

R.I.P Barry Meyer. You will be missed by many my friend. Thx so much for all the help and support over the years. TUFF N UFF changed my life

— Chris Holdsworth (@holdsworth135) October 16, 2013

All of us at the UFC are deeply saddened by the news of Barry Meyer's passing. We send our deepest condolences to the Meyer family.

— Reed Harris (@reedharrisufc) October 16, 2013

Deeply saddened to hear of @tuffnuff founder Barry Meyer's death & the circumstances behind it. Big loss to MMA community.#KODepression

— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) October 16, 2013

RIP Barry Meyer. U have helped me and so many others in mma launch our careers. U will be forever missed @tuffnuff pic.twitter.com/42PalzNVGk

— Ashley Cummins (@SmashleyMMA) October 16, 2013

He's going to be missed “@LayzieTheSavage: RIP Barry Meyer… President of the best amature MMA circut in the world, @tuffnuff. #MMA #WMMA””

— Jordan McDonald (@JordanMcDonald) October 16, 2013