Canadian MMA fighter Ashley Nichols has died.
Nichols, a former LFA title challenger and Invicta fighter was 37. Her death was confirmed by her former coach, Jeff Harrison, and other loved ones social media Wednesday. No cause of death has been publicly revealed.
“I was fortunate enough to be her mentor and coach at the beginning of that journey,” Harrison wrote on Instagram. “I, along with so many others admired Ashley for being so courageous, driven and resilient. She was proof that you could work hard and improve your situation in life, and literally become the best on planet earth regardless of where you come from.
“She wanted to be the best. Demons haunted her, but she wanted to be the best.”
A proud Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s woman, Nichols was an accomplished kickboxer and muay thai fighter in conjunction with her 7-4 professional MMA career.
Nicholas competed three times under the LFA banner and twice for Invicta. Following an LFA title challenge defeat to Jaqueline Amorim in 2022, Nichols won three consecutive fights in 2023.
Prior to her death, Nichols was expected to return March 9 at PAWFC 3 in Calgary, Alberta.
Harrison wasn’t the only one to pay tribute to Nichols, as emotional messages and posts flooded social media, many of which can be seen below.
Invicta FC
Our thoughts go out to the family of former Invicta fighter Ashley Nichols. Rest in peace. https://t.co/1Ge1HHn4jT pic.twitter.com/SkyHB3WDmg
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) February 13, 2024
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane
Tecia Torres
Zack Powell
International Federation of Muaythai Associatons
Kru Laura Vuculescu
Tanya Skjold
Benay Elijah
Joey Prevost
Angela Hill
Tiffany van Soest
Jessica Eye
Jaqueline Amorim
Helen Peralta
😔🙏🏾
— Helen Peralta Official (@HelenPeralta123) February 14, 2024
