Ashley Nichols, a rising mixed martial artist and Muay Thai competitor, has passed away, leaving the Canadian MMA world devastated. The Cambridge, Ontario, native was due to fight on March 9 at PAWFC, an all-women’s mixed martial arts event. She was 28 years old when she died.
Before her death, she was on a three-fight winning streak and planned to extend it to four consecutive wins. While the cause of her death has yet to be revealed on social media, the combat sports accomplishments that distinguished her all-around talent are equally worthy of note.
Some sad news out of the Canadian MMA Scene that Strawweight fighter Ashley “AK 47” Nichols has passed away.
Condolences to Nichols family friends and Teammates at Niagara Top Team. #RIPAshleyNichols #MMA #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/DIIBiTRdd6— Jason Hagholm (@JHagholm1) February 13, 2024
Nichols participated in several noteworthy organizations, including the all-female MMA promotion Invicta FC, which has hosted numerous iconic names in women’s MMA. She also competed in the LFA, when she faced off against future UFC women’s strawweight Jaqueline Amorim.
Furthermore, she held multiple championships, including the TKO MMA strawweight belt and the temporary WPMF featherweight Muay Thai world title. Nichols, however, was more than simply a combatant; she also served as a coach and referee.
As one of the few indigenous Canadians in combat sports, Nichols was a pioneer for her people and a trailblazer who, perhaps, will open doors for additional indigenous people to enter MMA, where they are chronically underrepresented.
Her death leaves a significant void in the Canadian combat sports community, which is currently mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars.
Few Fighters in Their Heyday Became Referees Like Ashley Nichols
Most MMA referees who were once fighters only became fight officials after they had reached the end of their physical peak and were no longer able to participate. Herb Dean, Marc Goddard, and Frank Trigg spring to mind. Ashley Nichols, on the other hand, stands out for becoming a referee while still in peak physical condition.
Check out Ashley Nichols in action:
Right hand from Ashley Nichols drops her, but Martin survives! #InvictaFC31 pic.twitter.com/6zOqWUICVc
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 2, 2018
She was only 28 years old when she died, but she had already dabbled in teaching and officiating while still actively fighting as a fighter. It is unusual, and it distinguishes Nichols as unique in her way.
How did Ashley Nichols Die?
Ashley Nichols died unexpectedly at the age of 28, leaving the Canadian MMA community in sadness. The facts of her demise have yet to be reported on social media. Nichols, a rising mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter, was scheduled to fight on March 9 at PAWFC, an all-female MMA promotion.
Right hand from Ashley Nichols drops her, but Martin survives! #InvictaFC31 pic.twitter.com/6zOqWUICVc
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 2, 2018
With a three-fight winning streak and hopes for more success, her unexpected death has stunned and devastated the combat sports community. The cause of her death is unknown, leaving fans and colleagues in mourning as they recall her contributions to the sport.
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