Today (Thurs., Jan. 23, 2025), former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vagner Rocha revealed on his Instagram that he has been hospitalized with heart failure.
Spent the last 5 days in the hospital undergoing tests, and the doctors found out I have heart failure,” Rocha wrote. “We don’t know how long this has been going on, but they said it could’ve been tragic if I had waited any longer to seek help.
Years ago, this would’ve completely shaken me, but the closer I grow to God, the more I trust he’s in control. It’s been a serious situation, but through it all, I’ve experienced a deep sense of peace. I’m thankful for the care I’ve received, and for the love and support from loved ones. God’s timing is always perfect, and I am never been more sure that in fact He is working everything out for good.
Now I am on the road of recovery, taking one day at a time and keep monitoring my heart. One thing I notice is if you can’t discern God’s time you won’t understand the process, you will fear, have doubts and will be desperate. But when you understand the process you have total trust that God is using people and situation to develop and equip you for what’s to come in the next chapters of your life.
Rocha, 42, has been retired from mixed martial arts (MMA) since 2017 but has transitioned tremendously into competitive BJJ.
The Brazilian won the silver medal at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) last year, losing to Micael Galvão in the final. He won bronze at the 2022 ADCC World Championship and was the ‘Best match’ of the event.
Rocha has competed three times for UFC Fight Pass Invitational, only losing to Nicky Rod.
MMAMania.com sends our well wishes to Vagner and will keep everyone updated.
