MMA Fighter Guilherme ‘Bomba’ Vasconcelos Dead at 38

Guilherme ‘Bomba’ Vasconcelos Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos, an MMA fighter and Bellator competitor who once dated Demi Lovato, has died.

The family of Vasconcelos appeared to confirm his death via TMZ on Tuesday, October 15. He was 38 years old.

Vasconcelos’ uncle, Walter Vasconcelos Jr., also shared in a roughly translated statement via Facebook, “Very sad your farewell, Guilherme Vasconcelos! And so far from us in the USA. My dear nephew, my consecrated godson, father of little Naomi, much loved son of my sister Elisabete Vasconcelos, partner of his brothers, Breno and Isabela and our extended family who today mourn his premature departure.”

He added, “You pursued your dreams in America as an MMA fighter, Guilherme Bomba, Brazilian champion, but we don’t think that she would also take you on a journey of no return, without any of us around. We were waiting for you to come for Christmas, that will no longer happen. Life is a breath and we wake up to this heartbreaking news. What times we are living in. We are praying for you! May the God who is able to receive you in His infinite mercy and comfort all who have always loved you!”

Vasconcelos’ cause of death is unknown.

Nicknamed the “Bomba,” the martial artist made multiple appearances across MMA platforms throughout his career. According to his Instagram bio, he was also a “fourth degree black belt, professor, fighter, athlete and artist” as well as a former UFC and TUF fighter. Additionally, he was a Jiu Jitsu national and world champion.

Guilherme ‘Bomba’ Vasconcelos, Demi Lovato Courtesy of Guilherme Vasconcelos/Instagram ; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Fans and followers mourned the loss of the Brazilian professional athlete in the comments section of his Instagram posts. His last post, a Story shared on Monday, October 14, was a picture of a Jiu Jitsu studio.

“Our hearts are broken. We love and miss you Bomba!!!!! the sweetest man,” wrote one social media user. Another said via X, “Gone too soon my prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.”

Though Vasconcelos made a name for himself as a professional fighter and athlete, he was also thrust into the spotlight after his brief romance with Lovato, 32, in 2017. The pair dated for a few months before calling it quits in May that year.