Actor and R&B singer Ray J, 45, has been recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after being brutally knocked out in his influencer MMA bout on Saturday. The singer, born William Raymond Norwood Jr., faced off against YouTube personality Supa Hot Fire (Deshawn Raw) at a UFC Apex event. Early in the second round, Supa Hot delivered a knockout blow, sending Ray J stumbling into the ropes. He managed to get up but required a stool before the referee ended the bout.
Hospitalization and Health Concerns
According to TMZ, Ray J checked himself into a Las Vegas hospital hours after the fight. A source close to the singer revealed he has remained hospitalized for two days as doctors run tests amid fears of a concussion and potential heart issues. In January, Ray J disclosed that he suffers from severe heart failure, with his heart beating at only 25 percent. He was hospitalized on January 6 for pneumonia and heart pains and has been prescribed eight medications, with doctors suggesting a possible pacemaker or defibrillator.
Post-Fight Controversy
In his post-fight interview, Ray J suggested the bout was supposed to be fixed in his favor, but Supa Hot did not follow the plan. 'Damn bro … like that? For real … that's janky as f***,' Ray J said. 'I don't want to say too much because I don't want to get nobody in trouble, but damn… we took an L tonight.' He added, 'You know how much money we lost? Wow... wow.'
Investigation Launched
Brand Risk Promotions, owned by controversial live streamer Adin Ross, launched an internal investigation following Ray J's comments. In a statement, they said: 'During Saturday night's event, one of the fighters insinuated that there may have been a prearranged plan for his bout. Brand Risk has immediately launched an internal investigation, led by our attorney, a former federal prosecutor, to determine whether any attempt was made to manipulate the outcome of the fight. Both manipulating a fight or attempting to do so are serious violations that strike at the heart of the sport. If we determine that such conduct occurred or was attempted, we will hold the responsible parties fully accountable. At Brand Risk, we take match integrity seriously and will not tolerate any conduct that calls into question the sport we all love.'
