The world of mixed martial arts was left in shock following the sudden death of Russian MMA fighter Alexander Pisarev, who passed away at just 33 years old.
The athlete, known for his success in hand-to-hand combat and grappling, reportedly died after consuming a watermelon.
Pisarev, who trained with the Tomahawk team, was a finalist in the European MMA Championships and held a professional record of three wins and two losses.
His final bout took place in February 2020 against fellow Russian fighter Maksim Usoyan.
Team’s Emotional Tribute
Pisarev’s Tomahawk team also paid tribute in a heartfelt statement.
It read: “My brother, my friend, my student! Words cannot express the extent of the loss.
“Alexander Pisarev is the standard of friendship, decency, and courage of a Russian person. I and we will miss you!!! Rest in peace our brother.”
Fans also flooded social media with tributes, remembering Pisarev as a talented athlete and kind individual.
One user wrote: “So sad. RIP.” Another added: “Rest in peace. Condolences to the family.”
Found Unresponsive at Home
According to Russia’s state-run news agency Tass, via Newsweek, an unnamed teammate from Pisarev’s Tomahawk team said the athlete died in his sleep and that he had no chronic health issues.
“I looked into the room – Alexander and his wife were sleeping,” his father told the SHOT Telegram channel. “I came closer and realized my son was no longer breathing.”
Pisarev’s wife was hospitalized at the time with symptoms consistent with poisoning, but survived. The athlete, however, could not be revived.
The Watermelon Connection
Several media outlets, including Pravda, suggest Pisarev died after eating a watermelon along with his wife. However, they also ate other products.
A source from Pisarev’s Tomahawk reportedly said: “According to preliminary data, death was the result of food poisoning.”
Keepfoodsafe.org says if a watermelon is left out too long or exposed to bacteria, it can spread germs and bacteria, causing illness.
Contamination can happen at any stage of the farming and distribution process.
Popular Science reports: “Heaps of any fluid-rich fruit could kill you. Cells inundated by water expand to normalize their electrolyte balance. Swelling like this in the brain can damage nerve cells and pinch off the oxygen supply.”
It was reported that an autopsy would officially confirm Pisarev’s cause of death, with the Moscow Region Investigative Committee stating: “In Balashikha, an investigation was organized into the death of an athlete as a result of poisoning.
“Investigators, with the participation of a forensic specialist, are conducting an additional inspection of the scene, confiscating items relevant to the investigation, and planning a forensic chemical examination.”
Investigation and Autopsy Results
The Moscow Region Investigative Committee launched a probe into the athlete’s death, confirming that ‘an investigation was organized into the death of an athlete as a result of poisoning.’ Forensic specialists examined the apartment and collected food samples for chemical testing.
By late 2023, several Russian and European media outlets — including Gazeta Express — reported that autopsy results indicated the cause of death was poisoning from a contaminated watermelon.
However, no official document from Russian authorities has been made publicly available, leaving some uncertainty around the exact circumstances.
As of 2025, the case remains closed but with limited public disclosure from investigators. There is no evidence of foul play, and authorities continue to describe the tragedy as a domestic food poisoning incident, per Sportskeeda.
Remembering Alexander Pisarev
Pisarev’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety — even with seemingly harmless foods.
Before his passing, Pisarev was regarded as a disciplined athlete and respected competitor. His legacy continues to inspire fighters within Russia’s MMA community and beyond.
The Tomahawk gym still honors his memory annually, with teammates dedicating matches and training sessions to him.
“He was more than a fighter,” one teammate said. “He was a brother to us all.”
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