Cage Warriors fighter Connor Hitchens dies at 26

Connor Hitchens, a one-time competitor for Cage Warriors, has died at the age of 26.

On Tuesday, the English promotion announced Hitchens’ death, as did amateur organization International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

See their social media posts below.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Cage Warriors featherweight Connor Hitchens.

The entire CW family extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

RIP pic.twitter.com/ilwcAwQJsK

— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) May 21, 2024

A message from IMMAF president Kerrith Brown on the tragic passing of Connor Hitchens:

”On behalf of the entire International Mixed Martial Arts Federation we are deeply saddened by the passing of Connor Hitchens.

We are forever grateful to Connor for his time on the IMMAF… pic.twitter.com/cG6lwpKOel

— IMMAF (@IMMAFed) May 21, 2024

Neither the time nor cause of death for Hitchens has been made public. MMA commentator Harry Williams was first to report the news.

Hitchens made his debut for Cage Warriors in April 2022 after winning six of his first seven pro bouts. Unfortunately for the English featherweight, he lost by second-round knockout to Manny Akpan. That would be the last fight of Hitchens’ career as he had not competed since.

Prior to turning pro, Hitchens put together an extensive amateur career, competing in almost 20 fights from 2013-2017. He held a decision wins over current undefeated Bellator standout Ciaran Clarke and recent PFL and Cage Warriors fighter Dominique Wooding.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown wrote in a statement, “On behalf of the entire International Mixed Martial Arts Federation we are deeply saddened by the passing of Connor Hitchens.”

See more reactions to the tragic news from the MMA community below.

Very sad, met & trained with him over in Liverpool, very nice lad great talent. Thoughts are with his family, RIP. https://t.co/0d3XJJc4jG

— Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) May 20, 2024