The mixed martial arts world lost one of its most-regarded referees
from Europe.
On Wednesday, the news of referee Neil Hall’s
death hit home. Hall, 55, passed away after battling with COVID-19.
Hall’s family announced the sad news, revealing that he caught the
virus after being hospitalized to treat a silent infection
developed after a back operation.
“Sadly, Neil Hall passed away today,” they wrote. “He had a back
operation in August and picked up an infection in the surgery area
which wasn’t found till late January. He went into hospital for
intravenous antibiotics for a week then came home, unfortunately it
was with COVID. He spent three weeks trying to fight Covid
pneumonia but sadly he lost his fight today. Over the years, Neil
has met many people from all over the world and has had lots of
fantastic experiences. Today we have to say goodbye to him.”
Hall had a few professional bouts as an MMA fighter, competing
under the Pride and Glory and the
Cage Warriors Fighting Championship banners. While he lost all
three of his pro fights, he never ceased to profess his love for
the sport as a coach, judge and referee,
advocating for the implementation of better safety standards
for the sport in the United Kingdom. After concluding his career as
a fighter, he officiated in some of the most relevant MMA
promotions, including the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.