Ashley Nichols, a 37-year-old Invicta FC and LFA strawweight veteran, has died, with the cause of death yet to be determined.
Ashley Nichols, a veteran of Invicta FC and LFA, passed away on Monday night. She was just 37.
Her former coach, Jeff Harrison, confirmed the sad news on Instagram. He penned a heartfelt tribute to Nichols. Nick Castiglia, her ex-LFA matchmaker, also confirmed the news to MMA Fighting. The cause of death? Still unknown at this point.
Harrison’s words about Nichols were touching. “She wanted to be the best,” he wrote. “Demons haunted her, but she wanted to be the best.” He sent condolences to her family and all those who loved her.
Nichols had a professional MMA record of 7-4. She was on a winning streak, having won her last three fights. She’d faced off against UFC vets like Randa Markos, Mallory Martin, and Jaqueline Amorim. She’d also trained with Angela Hill, another UFC vet.
When news of her death spread, Hill was among those who paid tribute. “I was heartbroken when I heard the news,” she wrote on Instagram. “I hope she’s at peace and sending nothing but love to her family, friends, and team.”
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, a former Bellator champ, also expressed her sorrow. “Ashley, my native sister, I am so so so sorry,” she wrote. “Although we only spent a short time together, your presence was so impactful on my life—so much so that I think of you every moon. I wish I had checked in with you more.”
Invicta FC, Nichols’ former promoter, released a statement too. They expressed their condolences for her family.