Longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) trainer Robert Follis — who was one of the former head trainers at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada — passed away last night (Sat., Dec. 16, 2017).
The official cause of death has not been made public at this time.
Countless team-mates, fans, and friends swarmed social media to send their condolences after the shocking news surfaced.
As per striking coach Dewey Cooper, who coaches several MMA stars such as Francis Ngannou, long-time Xtreme Couture coach Robert Follis has passed away.
Robert Follis served as a grappling coach at Xtreme Couture, the Las Vegas-based gym founded by former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture.
Got word this morning that my longtime coach passed away.
Robert Follis was a special type of guy who always stuck with you. When I was badly injured, he encouraged me to keep studying fights on the sidelines, knowing it would take me somewhere. Thanks for everything, coach. RIP pic.twitter.com/I33FBkbVUZ
— Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) December 17, 2017
Can’t believe what I woke up to about Robert Follis. Truly a class act every single time I interacted with him. Great guy to be around and so knowledgeable. The MMA world will not be the same
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) December 17, 2017
The President of the UFC captioned his post: “Sucks to wake up and hear this news. RIP @robertfollis such a nice guy.”
Sucks to wake up and hear this news. RIP @robertfollis such a nice guy. pic.twitter.com/gU8knnBmyh
— danawhite (@danawhite) December 17, 2017
Extremely saddened to hear the news about Robert Follis. Heartbroken for his family and close friends. He was truly one of the good guys in the sport.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 17, 2017
The saddening news comes just weeks after the coach left his long-term job at Xtreme Couture.
He parted ways with the Las Vegas gym in November to pursue fresh opportunities within the sport. The team of MMA Hits would like to send their sincere thoughts and condolences to the Follis family.
