I trained with Brian for 10 years as a small group that branched out eventually. Brian was a longtime Pro Fighter in the Midwest that competed in the UFC, WEC and Bellator. He was a Co Owner of Chicago Fight Team, a Husband and a Legend in the Midwest MMA scene. It’s such a huge loss for MMA and his family. Rest In Heaven, Champ!
Brian was a really good guy. I took a shower with him in Peoria once. RIP man. Wishing the best for his family.
Sad to hear, RIP…
Had to double check what forum I was in after reading that.
Correct forum. The event in question revolved around fighting.
Brian was the nicest, most genuine guy.
Rest in peace
Wesley Gassaway
My brother Brian Gassaway lost his battle with mental health today. CTE is a very hard thing. Rest In Peace brother.
Sad news.
RIP.
So CTE caused him mental issues?
Rip nonetheless
I think they’re finding CTE causes all kinds of mental problems. It’s essentially brain damage that has personality and mood changing implications
A UG member made a thread after if happened:
RIP
RIP
There has been a lot of progress in the research of traumatic brain injuries. Brian was from a time that we did not necessary fully understand the long-term effects brain trauma would have. If you’ve had to deal with sever concussions the changes that happen in your mood, sensitivity to light, ability to manage your emotions is alarming. You’re a different person. Take that, and amplify it by a 100. That’s what someone who has had Brian’s career has to balance.
Make no mistake, CTE is absolutely life threatening. I hope he has found peace and the people in his life he has left behind can find comfort in knowing his pain is now over.
We will see a lot more of this in the coming years. Take care of your friends.
RIP
I have a horrible feeling that we will start seeing a lot of former MMA fighters dying young due to CTE from training and fighting, as well as from the lifestyle(organ damage due to PEDs and weight-cutting, etc). I anticipate an epidemic similar to the wave of pro wrestlers dying in the 90’s and early 2000’s.
Rest in Peace
We will see A LOT more suicides like this as well
RIP
It seems pretty common in football . I saw the clip with Spencer’s Fisher and it is a terrible illness indeed. Doesn’t seem to be a way to prevent it either other than abstaining from certain sports altogether
So sorry to read this. I watched a lot of his fights and he was a beast. Rest in peace man.