UFC veteran Felipe Colares is dead after being struck by a bus in Rio de Janeiro. He was 29.
Brazilian media outlet Combate, citing Colares’ coach, Rodrigo Babi, reported that the tragic incident took place Monday morning in the Guaratiba neighborhood of Rio. Colares was returning home from training when he was run over by a bus. Colares was quickly attended to by first responders and rushed to a local hospital, but he died from his injuries on the way there, according to Combate.
One of Colares’ cousins, Selma Cunha, confirmed his death on Facebook.
Colares turned professional in July 2013 and was 8-0 at the time he got called up to the UFC. He made his UFC debut in February 2019 and went 2-4 in the promotion – with decision wins over Domingo Pilarte and Luke Sanders – before he exited after May 2022 loss to Chase Hooper.
Colares most recently competed this past February at Ares FC 12 where he defeated Alioune Nahaye by first-round submission with a rear-naked choke.
Colares made headlines in Januaray after posting an Instagram video of himself subduing an alleged thief in Brazil. He told MMA Fighting that he sprung into action after he witnessed “an alleged assault to a woman.”
According to Combate, Colares is survived by his wife, Jaqueline, and a 6-month-old son.
