Veteran MMA Referee Neil Hall Passes Away After Battling COVID-19 Complications

The mixed martial arts world lost one of its most-regarded referees from Europe.

On Wednesday, the news of referee Neil Hall’s death hit home. Hall, 55, passed away after battling with COVID-19. Hall’s family announced the sad news, revealing that he caught the virus after being hospitalized to treat a silent infection developed after a back operation.

“Sadly, Neil Hall passed away today,” they wrote. “He had a back operation in August and picked up an infection in the surgery area which wasn’t found till late January. He went into hospital for intravenous antibiotics for a week then came home, unfortunately it was with COVID. He spent three weeks trying to fight Covid pneumonia but sadly he lost his fight today. Over the years, Neil has met many people from all over the world and has had lots of fantastic experiences. Today we have to say goodbye to him.”

Hall had a few professional bouts as an MMA fighter, competing under the Pride and Glory and the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship banners. While he lost all three of his pro fights, he never ceased to profess his love for the sport as a coach, judge and referee, advocating for the implementation of better safety standards for the sport in the United Kingdom. After concluding his career as a fighter, he officiated in some of the most relevant MMA promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship.