Luiz de Franca, a 25 year-old welterweight with the top-ranked Kimura Nova Uniao team, was murdered yesterday while at a gym he taught at, Alta Performance, in Natal, Brazil. The news broke via Brazilian media conglomerate, Globo.
Team Nova Uniao member Luiz de Franca murdered in gym
Initial reports from Brazil indicate that a police lieutenant who had been asked to leave the gym due to being “too violent” is the main suspect. Lenildo Sena, the police colonel in charge of the investigation, noted that the suspect had suffered from bouts of depression in the past, but did not appear to be dealing with any psychological issues recently.
Luiz de Franca (3-0) was an up and coming fighter with Team Nova Uniao, with finishes in all 3 of his professional fights. After an 0-2 sting as an amateur in Las Vegas training with Wanderlei Silva, de Franca returned to Natal, Brazil and joined up with the Nova Uniao Kimura team before turning pro. He leaves behind his teammates and his family. We here at MMASucka.com offer them our deepest condolences, and will keep you updated as more information arises.
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