SANTA ANA, Calif. – A mixed martial arts fighter who was reported to have died overnight by some media outlets has come forward to prove that he's alive.
Kimo Leopoldo, a 41-year-old Costa Mesa resident who once fought in the UFC, said at a press conference Tuesday in Orange County that he didn't know where the rumor of his death started.
He says he spent the night at a friend's house and was rustled from bed by his promoter about what was being reported.
Leopoldo says he hopes to fight one last time, but dismissed the possibility that someone close to him would have started a rumor of his death as a gimmick.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department fielded about 200 calls on Tuesday about Leopoldo's purported death.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.