UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley is known for his impressive fighting skills and charismatic personality, but behind the scenes, he is also a loyal friend and a compassionate human being. Last week, O’Malley suffered a devastating personal loss as he mourned the passing of his close friend, Kyle Hanan. Hanan, who had been battling cancer for 14 years, was not only a friend to O’Malley but also a talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) prospect.
While Hanan may not be a household name to all, in the medical world, he was a true warrior. Despite his long and difficult battle with cancer, Hanan never gave up and continued to inspire those around him with his strength and determination. O’Malley, who had been friends with Hanan since their teenage years, paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend on social media, sharing memories and expressing his grief.
In his post, O’Malley wrote, “My heart is heavy as I say goodbye to one of my closest friends, Kyle Hanan. He was a true warrior, both in and out of the octagon. His 14-year-long battle with cancer was a testament to his strength and resilience. Kyle was not just a friend, but also a brother to me. We shared a passion for fighting and he was always there to support me in my career.”
Hanan, who was once hailed as a “killer” BJJ prospect, had a promising future in the sport. However, his battle with cancer forced him to put his dreams on hold. Despite this setback, Hanan never lost his love for the sport and continued to train and compete whenever he could. O’Malley, who is also a BJJ practitioner, often trained with Hanan and admired his skills and determination.
In his tribute, O’Malley also shared a video of him and Hanan training together, with the caption, “I will always cherish the memories we shared on the mats. Kyle was a true warrior and his legacy will live on through all those he inspired.”
The news of Hanan’s passing has not only affected O’Malley but also the entire MMA community. Many fighters and fans have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Hanan. UFC President Dana White also paid tribute to Hanan, saying, “Kyle was a true fighter, both in and out of the octagon. He will be missed by all of us at the UFC.”
Hanan’s passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Despite his illness, Hanan never let it define him and continued to live his life to the fullest. His determination and positive attitude have left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
O’Malley’s tribute to his friend also highlights the bond that is formed between fighters. In the octagon, they may be opponents, but outside, they are a tight-knit community that supports and uplifts each other. Hanan’s passing has brought this community even closer, as they come together to honor his memory.
As O’Malley and the MMA community mourn the loss of a true warrior, Hanan’s legacy will continue to live on. His strength, courage, and positive attitude will serve as an inspiration to all those who knew him. Rest in peace, Kyle Hanan. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.