The martial arts world is mourning the loss of Medet Zheenaliev after the 30-year-old fighter died while helping rescue a teenage girl from drowning in Kyrgyzstan.
According to multiple local reports, the incident happened on May 12 at Issyk-Kul Lake near the tourist village of Baktuu-Dolonotu.
Authorities stated that Zheenaliev and a friend were at the beach when strong waves began pulling several teenage girls into dangerous water conditions. When one of the girls started drowning, the two men rushed into the lake to help.
The teenage girl was successfully rescued and returned to shore safely.
However, Zheenaliev disappeared underwater during the rescue effort.
Divers from Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations later recovered his body the following morning.
A fighter remembered as a hero
Following news of his death, tributes quickly spread across social media, with many describing Zheenaliev as a hero for sacrificing his life while trying to save others.
One tribute shared online read:
“He died with honor.”
Another person wrote:
“Rest well warrior.”
Others pointed out the meaning behind his first name, Medet, which translates to “help” or “assistance.”
Medet Zheenaliev’s MMA career
Zheenaliev competed professionally in MMA between 2017 and 2019, fighting in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
The Kyrgyz fighter finished his professional career with a 2-2 record while competing primarily in Russia.
His first professional victory came in September 2017 when he defeated Vladimir Kravchuk by first-round armbar submission. Months later, he earned his first knockout win after stopping Shamil Temirkhanov in the opening round at Battle on Volga 3.
Standing 5-foot-10 and fighting out of Moscow during his career, Zheenaliev represented the AkBars team before stepping away from competition after 2019.
Funeral held in native village
Reports stated that Zheenaliev’s funeral took place on May 14 in his hometown of Ak-Tal in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region.
As tributes continue arriving from across the combat sports world, many are remembering him not only as a fighter, but as someone who lost his life trying to save another person.
Hero