Bellator fighter Cris Lencioni takes first steps after shock cardiac arrest [VIDEO]
Bellator veteran Cris Lencioni is back on his feet and has taken his first steps after his cardiac arrest in June. The 28-year-old featherweight is reportedly showing signs of improved cognitive function and is already attempting to converse despite using a valve to speak.
bit.ly/LencioniSM2Cris Lencioni took his first steps on Sunday since being hospitalized and suffering brain damage as the result of the heart attack on June 8.
The latest on Lencioni from @MMAFightingSM π° bit.ly/LencioniSM2 https://t.co/fx39QPvwla
On June 8, Lencioni suffered a heart attack while training for his fight scheduled for Bellator 298. His gym partners immediately called the emergency services and looked after him until the paramedics arrived. Doctors later diagnosed him with brain damage due to a lack of oxygen to the organ.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Lencioni's wife shared an update on Cris Lencioni, stating that doctors are now planning to install an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to insure against any future heart issues. She said:
"Heβs still got a while until heβs ready to leave, and we are still looking into alternative treatment options. They dropped the [long-term acute care hospital] center after seeing how quickly he was progressing... But heβs young, and heβs doing really well now, so the tune has changed."
To help with the treatment costs, a GoFundMe has been set up for the Bellator veteran. So far, over $60,000 has been raised for his medical bills, which exceed $300,000.
Bellator fighter Cris Lencioni, who was hospitalized earlier this month after suffering cardiac arrest, is beginning to respond to stimuli.
The latest on Lencioni from @MMAFightingSM π° bit.ly/LencioniSM https://t.co/6fRNXKCy1d
Fans react to heartbreaking video of Cris Lencioni taking his first steps after being hospitalized
Before his unfortunate heart attack and subsequent hospitalization, Cris Lencioni was among Bellator's most exciting featherweights. He was booked to face James Gallagher at Bellator 298 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 11.
As mentioned above, Lencioni suffered further complications after his cardiac arrest but has been showing encouraging signs of recovery. After @MMAFighting shared the video of 'Sunshine' walking with the help of his wife and doctors, fans took to the comments section to react.
Cris Lencioni took his first steps on Sunday since being hospitalized and suffering brain damage as the result of the heart attack on June 8.
The latest on Lencioni from @MMAFightingSM π° bit.ly/LencioniSM2 https://t.co/fx39QPvwla
One fan aptly pointed out how difficult it was to watch the 28-year-old go through the ordeal:
"So difficult to watch. Praying for full a recovery."
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM So difficult to watch. Praying for full a recovery.
Another fan encouraged Cris Lencioni and wrote:
"Praying hard for you Cris. I believe u will overcome this as u were born a fighter. You got this brother. One step at a time."
π»
πΌ@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Praying hard for you Cris. I believe u will overcome this as u were born a fighter. You got this brother. One step at a time. βπ»β€οΈππΌ
One user said:
"Progress is progress, I wonder what heβs thinking , and what he thought on June 8th when it happened."
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Progress is progress, I wonder what heβs thinking , and what he thought on June 8th when it happened
One user expressed his sympathies, saying:
"Hope he can recover well and live a healthy happy life. Fun fighter to watch."
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Hope he can recover well and live a healthy happy life. Fun fighter to watch.
One fan reacted to Cris Lencioni walking by sharing a screenshot of Conor McGregor in distress:
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM https://t.co/kpUaiAK6Uy
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Itβs ghoulish that this is being filmed and sent out to the world.
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM I am sad and i dont even know this dude
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Man, if there was ever a type or person to overcome something like this, itβs a cage fighter. Built completely different!
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM That fighting spiriting....Thank God π
@MMAFighting @MMAFightingSM Please keep us updated on him!! He deserves so much support, absolute champ!