Tributes Pour In After Former MMA Fighter Medet Zheenaliev Dies at 30

A former MMA fighter was tragically found dead in a lake at 30 years old.

Medet Zheenaliev, 30, was reportedly killed in a drowning accident, after saving some young girls. The longtime MMA fighter spotted four girls swimming in Lake Issyk-Kul in his home country of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday. The lake has very strong currents and one of the young girls was pulled underwater.

The MMA fighter and a friend went into the lake to help the girls. Tragically, Zheenaliev never came back.

Divers found his body in the lake the next day.

The lake is one of the biggest and deepest in the entire world, reaching a depth of 2,192 feet.

The longtime MMA fighter had four professional fights. He went 2-2, making his debut with a win over Vladimir Kravchuk on Sept. 23, 2017.

Tributes for the longtime MMA fighter are pouring in online

Fans are deeply saddened.

"He died with honor, he died as a hero," one wrote.

"This is more honourable than any belt. Prayers to him and his family🙏," one added.

"Thank you for sharing! This man is legend and a hero! and people think MMA fighters are animals SMH," one added.

"True hero! ❤️ Posting this for all the ppl out there who don't understand that lakes can have storms w/massive waves. What you don't understand can kill you. Great Lakes have crazy huge storms. Kyrgyzstan has a famous lake (Issyk-Kul) & storms can produce 11-13 ft waves," one added.

"Brave and Good man. Good men forget about their own safety to save those who can't save themselves," another shared.

May he rest in peace.

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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 10:44 AM.