Originally it was reported by TMZ that 36-six-year-old UFC and Ultimate Fighter veteran Corey “The Real Deal” Hill has passed away due to complications from pneumonia. He underwent a lung transplant and the lung collapsed and it “went downhill from there” the report stated.
But now Hill’s wife is saying her husband is actually still on life support and is fighting for his life:
UPDATE (8:11 P.M. ET) — The wife of former UFC fighter Corey Hill tells TMZ Sports … her husband is still alive and fighting for his life … despite statements from family, friends and the UFC saying he passed away this morning.
Hill’s close friends and family members had told the media earlier today that Hill died after a bout with pneumonia.
But Lauran Hill says Corey is “resting and still alive” and they’re praying he makes a full recovery.
“My husband is a strong fighter. Please everyone pray for him.”
Lauren wouldn’t comment on statements made earlier by Hill’s close friends and other family members.
Hill had a ton of potential when he debuted on The Ultimate Fighter season 5 reality show back in 2007 on Spike TV. He was very tall for a lightweight at 6-foot-4-inches and moved very well. Hill told production he was 4-0 as a pro to get on the show. In reality he was 2-0 but as an amateur. Hill went on to win a unanimous decision over Rob Emerson in the elimination round, but then got submitted by Nate Diaz in the quarterfinals.
Hill made his official UFC debut in January 2008 winning a second round TKO over Joe Veres. He fought two more times that year, but it was in the second fight — against Dale Hartt at UFC: Fight for the Troops in Fayetteville, N.C. did we witness the worst MMA injury we’d seen on live TV up until that point. Hill had his shin snapped in half after Hartt checked a low kick and it was gruesome to witness.
Hill never returned to the UFC and his career became that of a journeyman on the regional scene. He’d lost his last five fights in a row, most recently via TKO to Jose Caceres at Fight Time 23: Mayhem in Miami in February of this year. Hill retires with a record of 6-9 over a career that spanned 9 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Our thoughts are with Corey Hill and his friends and family. Peace be with you brother.
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