Last night the MMA community was shocked by the news of coach Robert Follis’ passing. The long-time Xtreme Couture coach was just 48 years old.
He was one of the principal figures behind the legendary career of multiple-time UFC champion Randy Couture. He was a trainer to Dan Henderson and Evan Tanner, among others in the classic Team Quest stable.
Renowned mixed martial arts coach Robert Follis died Friday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, MMAFighting has confirmed through spokesperson a coroner from the Clark County in Nevada that the cause of death was ruled a suicide.
After the unexpected death of Follis, an outpouring of emotion from the MMA community. Dozens of Follis’ friends, colleagues and fighters took to social media to remember his life and mourn his death.
Robert Follis you will be missed! These little speeches people take for granted. As an teacher and student I will always remember and learn what you have taught. #youwillbemissed #rip #xtremecouture #follismma pic.twitter.com/NMHTSOhmRo
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) December 17, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc0ANGRDqL0/
Follis’s girlfriend set up an email address ([email protected]) for those who wish to share personal stories, photos, or other thoughts on his passing with Follis’ family and urging the MMA community to give the Follis family their privacy during this difficult time.
“If you have a story about him or pictures you would like to share, please do so here so that all of us can may visit different parts of his life,” Fukuno said. “If you would like to share something more privately, I’ve set up an email address that some family members will be able to access. Stories, photos, etc are welcome. We may not be able to respond, but please know that we will sort through them as part of our healing process. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Memorial service information will follow at a later time.”
He also coached UFC names like Miesha Tate, Kevin Lee, and Brian Caraway at Las Vegas’ Xtreme Couture, a team he recently left after rebuilding it to prominence since relocating there in 2013.
The team of MMAHits offers sincere condolences to the Robert Follis family, friends and who called him a coach.
