Paul Varelans, a UFC pioneer nicknamed “the Polar Bear,” has passed away.
It was after a month long battle with COVID-19, with the former UFC heavyweight discussing his symptoms and revealing that he has tested positive last December. Varelans was eventually put in a medically induced coma and hooked up to a ventilator.
According to MMA author Jonathan Snowden, Varelans was still “breathing 70% on his own” a couple of weeks ago, but “eventually it overwhelmed him.”
On Saturday, the UFC fan favorite passed away at age 51.
RIP Paul Varelans.