Michael Kirkham, a 30-year-old mixed martial arts fighter, has died Saturday in South Carolina after his debut match as a professional fighter.

Kirkham, a native of Gaston, South Carolina, died from brain injuries which were the results of being struck in the head several times during the fight.

Aiken County coroner Tim Carlton reported that Kirkham died from brain hemorrhage.

The fighter lost consciousness after Saturday night’s bout which was held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. He was rushed to the Aiken Regional Medical Center but was unresponsive. He never regained consciousness.

The 6-foot-9 Kirkham, also known as “Tree,” had been in 6 amateur matches before getting into the pro level. He is the second MMA fighter to die after a match in the U.S. The first one was Sam Vasquez, who died in Houston in 2007 after being in comatose for 42 days.

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