20 June 2023 , 07:58
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Bellator MMA star Cris Lencioni suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session and is currently in an intensive care unit.
Lencioni, 28, hasn't fought in close to two years but is scheduled to make his return against James Gallagher at Bellator 298 in August. The fighter's health scare occurred earlier this month whilst at a new gym he was training at. Lencioni's wife issued a statement on his behalf and admitted the fighter is currently in "uncharted territory"
"On [June 8] there was an incident while Cris was training, and he experienced a cardiac arrest. The athletes at the gym were great and immediately called 911 and did their best to address his needs until paramedics arrived. We are currently in another state. He has been under the care of excellent doctors with I and much of his family by his side," she wrote.
"We are all hopeful for the progress we know he will continue to make. Prayers are always welcome - if your kiddos want to make a card or anything like that, bring it to the gym and we will make sure Cris gets it. We are currently in uncharted territory and taking everything day by day. Thank you for the continued support during this time."
A fundraiser has since been set up to help raise money for Lencioni's medical care. "Cris is currently in the ICU in his biggest fight yet. We believe in the goodness of God, and we don’t know anyone with more will, strength, and determination than Cris. Cris has already overcome so much in his life, and we have faith in his ability to overcome any obstacle," the description read.
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Cris Lencioni suffered a cardiac arrest in training (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Bellator said of the incident: "We are aware of Lencioni's current medical condition and are monitoring the situation closely." Lencioni has received a series of messages from fellow fighters wishing him well, one of which was his upcoming opponent Gallagher who wrote: "Speedy recovery."
UFC legend Chael Sonnen, a longtime training partner of Lencioni, also said of the situation: “Cris is in the hospital, he has not regained consciousness. They have his vitals, they got his signs, they are able to do all sorts of things. Everything does steer to the direction that he will regain consciousness and then we go from there. I would ask you guys keep him in your thoughts, keep him in your prayers."