Decorated MMA Fighter Ashley Nichols Dead at 37

Canadian mixed martial artist Ashley Nichols has died at age 37. Nichols’ coach, Jeff Harrison, confirmed the tragic news Wednesday on social media. Her cause of death wasn’t specified. “Demons haunted her,” Harrison said, “but she wanted to be the best.”

Nichols was a former LFA title challenger and Invicta fighter. She led a 7–4 professional MMA career, in addition to being a celebrated kickboxer and muay thai fighter. In 2022, Nichols lost an LFA title to Jaqueline Amorim. She rebounded in 2023, winning three fights in a row. During her career, she was named world champion of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, the World Philippine Muay Thai Federation, and the World Muaythai Federation.

Prior to her death, Nichols was expected to participate in the Pallas Athena Women's Fighting Championship on March 9 in Alberta, Canada.

"Truly the most technical and ferocious female striker that Canada has EVER SEEN,” Harrison praised Nichols in his tribute. “I was fortunate enough to be her mentor and coach at the beginning of that journey. I, along with so many others, admired Ashley for being so courageous, driven, and resilient.”

Nichols continued: “She was proof that you could work hard and improve your situation in life, and literally become the best on planet earth regardless of where you come from. My condolences to my friends that were her family, and to all the people out there that loved her.”

Many of Nichols' friends and associates similarly took to social media to pay tribute to the star.