RIP Isaiah Chapman pic.twitter.com/3oIiqldqVU
— Rich Chou (@rich_chou) April 8, 2020
Former Bellator MMA and World Series of Fighting competitor Isaiah Chapman is dead at the age of 30.
Bellator matchmaker Rich Chou brought word of Chapman’s death on Twitter. According to Ohio-based MMA journalist David McKinney, Chapman was shot and killed outside his Akron home on April 7. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Chapman’s funeral expenses and to provide aid for his three children.
A native of Barberton, Ohio, Chapman last fought at Bellator 232, where he was submitted in the opening round by top bantamweight prospect Patrick Mix in the first round this past October. “The Beast” also appeared one under the WSOF banner in September 2014, dropping a unanimous verdict to Timur Valiev. Chapman was 9-4 as a professional overall.
The statement on Chapman’s GoFundMe page is as follows:
On April 7th, 2020 Isaiah “The Beast” Chapman was tragically taken from the world, leaving behind two daughters Faith & Aubrey, & son Isaac. Last night they lost not only their father but best friend and real life super hero. Isaiah was the best father for his children and was there for them every step of their lives. He was truly an example and role model to all. Isaiah had recently lived out his MMA dream by appearing in Bellator MMA. Proving that you should never give up on your dreams! He was always such a cheerful and loving person that will be remembered forever by everyone who he ever came in contact with. Our lives will never be the same without him, and we will all certainly miss his hugs. If you have it in your heart, we would appreciate any help for the funeral expenses and the rest will go to his family for other expenses. Please keep us all in prayers, especially his children that God may give us comfort for this unexpected loss. Funeral date, time, and location will be posted in an update.
Isaiah Chapman’s last pro fight was vs Patchy Mix at Bellator 232 where he lost by getting caught in a Suloev Stretch in R1 (2019) RIP pic.twitter.com/uiRxYmT6S8
— LORD HONKY HUMUNGUS (@Mr_Honky) April 8, 2020