COVID-19 has claimed another life in the MMA community. On Wednesday, veteran referee Neil Hall lost his three-week battle with the dreaded virus. He was 55 years old.
Hall’s wife Kath revealed the unfortunate news via social media.
Sadly, Neil Hall passed away today.
He had a back operation in August and picked up an infection in the surgery area…Posted by Kath Hall on Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Sadly, Neil Hall passed away today.
He had a back operation in August and picked up an infection in the surgery area which wasn’t found till late January. He went into hospital for intravenous antibiotics for a week then came home, unfortunately it was with COVID. He spent three weeks trying to fight Covid pneumonia but sadly he lost his fight today.
Over the years, Neil has met many people from all over the world and has had lots of fantastic experiences. Today we have to say goodbye to him.
Hall was a beloved man in the sport. As soon as the news of his passing surfaced, the tributes came pouring in.
Absolutely devastating news tonight that Neil Hall very sadly passed away. Anyone who’s anyone in UKMMA will have known Neil. A tough as nails gritty northerner who wore his heart on his sleeve & was just a bloody good bloke. A friend & colleague of 20 years. God bless you. RIP pic.twitter.com/0Q5wULTgsw
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 10, 2021
REST IN PEACE NEIL HALL
— Molly McCann (@MeatballMolly) March 10, 2021
In shock to hear that referee Neil Hall passed away earlier today. An honourable referee with an eye for detail. Spent many a Saturday night post show discussing fights gone by with him. #RIP brother pic.twitter.com/yhg47CgXJU
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) March 10, 2021
With a background in Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Sambo, Hall had a brief three-fight stint as a professional in the early 2000s. He began his career as a referee in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 28 and had officiated 40 fights in the Octagon until 2019.
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