Australian MMA Fighter’s Death Highlights Risks of Rhabdomyolysis in High-Intensity Training

Jake Sendler, 21, succumbed to multi-organ failure after unknowingly pushing through symptoms of the rare condition during fight preparation.

Jake Sendler, a 21-year-old amateur MMA fighter from Melbourne, died on March 13, 2025, from rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown.
Despite experiencing symptoms like muscle soreness and dark urine, Sendler continued training, mistaking the signs for dehydration.
He collapsed after a fight on March 3, 2025, and was hospitalized with what doctors described as the most severe case of rhabdomyolysis they had ever seen.
Sendler underwent multiple surgeries but ultimately passed away due to extensive tissue damage and multi-organ failure.
His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise awareness about rhabdomyolysis and advocate for education on its early symptoms to prevent similar tragedies.