On June 8th, the 28-year-old Bellator MMA competitor Cris Lencioni experienced a completely unexpected cardiac arrest while training at a new gym. The incident occurred during a grappling session, leading to Lencioni losing consciousness.
Lencioni was immediately rushed to the hospital where he received prompt and essential medical care. The athletes at the gym who witnessed the event dialed 911 and did everything in their power to attend to Lencioni’s needs until the paramedics arrived.
Eleven days later, Cris Lencioni’s wife Marca took to Instagram to make a public statement about her husband’s condition. She provided an update on what transpired during the training session.
Marca wrote on Instagram: “On Thursday 6/8 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.”
The family is currently in another state, where Cris is receiving care. Marca expressed gratitude for the thoughts and prayers extended to them during this challenging time.
She continued: “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. 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. Some of Cris’ family has started a Go fund me page. I’ll add the link in his Bio but keeping us in your thoughts and prayers is very much appreciated.”
To aid Cris Lencioni and his family during this difficult period, his mother-in-law Angela Hibbard initiated a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser has already amassed over $14,000 in donations within the first day.
Former UFC competitor and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen is a close friend of Lencioni. He recently shared his thoughts on the situation. Sonnen also urged people to consider aiding the family during this time.
He wrote on Twitter:
Cris Lencioni had been on a win streak before the unfortunate incident. In his last bout at Bellator 294 in April, he secured a victory over Blake Smith with an inverted triangle. Lencioni had been scheduled to face Irish star James Gallagher at Bellator 298 in August, but the bout’s status is now uncertain due to the current circumstances.