A Brazilian MMA fighter is in a very serious condition in hospital after being beaten in the National Stadium by Irish fighter Charlie Ward.

Joao Carvalho fought Ward at welterweight as part of the Total Extreme Fighting (TEF) event on Saturday night.

Ward, who is an SBG fighter and team mate of UFC star Conor McGregor, was awarded victory over Carvalho by the referee, after knocking his opponent to the canvas in the third round.

The Brazilian fighter began to feel unwell after the fight and was rushed to hospital, where he remains.

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His club Nóbrega team released a statement on Facebook yesterday confirming his hospitalisation (translated by Google): “Soon after the match, João Carvalho was to take care of injuries in the medical office, standard procedure for combat, spent 20 minutes the athlete began to feel very ill and was sent rushed to the hospital where he is hospitalized.”

Cesar Silva, CEO of event promoters TEF, said their chief focus was Carvalho’s recovery, but added that all safety precautions had been taken at the event.

“Joao’s welfare is our primary concern at this moment in time,” Silva told the Irish Daily Star.

“(The) fight was SAFE MMA approved, with three doctors and paramedics present.

“Their presence and adhering to SAFE MMA regulations ensured that the seriousness of Joao’s condition was recognised and swift action taken and we are thankful for their help.

“Serious injuries like this are rare worldwide in MMA but it’s important that every possible precaution is taken to ensure every competitor’s welfare.”