Portuguese cage fighter knocked out by McGregor’s friend is battling for his life

A Portuguese cage fighter is fighting for his life after being knocked out by one of Conor McGregor’s best friends, a fight the world champion attended in Dublin.

McGregor and Charlie Ward were high-fiving through the wire of the ring after the Total Extreme Fighting (TEF) bout which left Joao Carvalho facing emergency surgery after just 20 minutes in the ring.

Charlie ‘The Hospital’ Ward, who is coached by the same trainer as McGregor, John Kavanagh. Ward only turned professional in November.

When his opponent fell to the ground in the third round, a referee had to step in and order the end of the fight. Meanwhile, Carvalho lay without moving on the canvas.

His trainer, MMA star Vitor Nobrega, tweeted “our athlete, warrior, friend and brother” was in a “bad way” following a medical check after his fight and had been hospitalised.

It is understood the trainer has remained at his charge’s bedside for the past two days.

Carvalho has been inundated with messages of support from MMA fans. Paramedics rushed into the ring as Ward celebrated his decisive win. Both men’s faces were smeared in blood when the welterweight match ended.

Carvalho later underwent surgery at Beaumont Hospital.

TEF chief executive Cesar Silva was quick to reassure fans all safety precautions had been taken at the fight. Three doctors and paramedic staff were on hand, as per regulations.

“Our thoughts are with Joao Carvalho, his family and Team Nobrega,” said Mr Silva. “Joao’s welfare is our primary focus at this moment in time but we will update you on Joao’s condition as it becomes clearer although he is in a very serious condition having felt unwell after the fight.”