Beloved MMA Fighter Hrishikesh Koloth Dies in Rare Black Bear Attack in Canada

A rare black bear attack has recently led to the tragic death of a man. Now, more information about the victim is starting to emerge as the world learns that he was a beloved MMA fighter with big dreams.

A Black Bear Attack Has Led to a Man's Death in a Horrible Tragedy

On May 12, 2026, the CBC reported that a 27-year-old man from India died after he was attacked by a black bear in northern Saskatchewan, a Canadian province. It was revealed that the man had been working in a remote uranium exploration site at the time of the attack, which took place on May 8. The report revealed that the deadly incident took place roughly 700 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon, near Nordbye Lake.

The CBC spoke to Douglas Clark, a former national park warden and professor at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment, who is an expert in human-bear conflict. He told the outlet how rare bear attacks are. "The last one was six years ago. And you have to go quite a few years earlier before you find the next ones in the record."

More Details Emerge About the MMA Fighter Victim

Man killed in bear attack identified as MMA fighter Hrishikesh Koloth from India | CBC News https://t.co/PnK7Lc8C5A

— Warren Kinsella (@kinsellawarren) May 27, 2026

When the original reports were released about the fatal bear attack, very little was known about the victim. Not even his name had been revealed to the public. On May 27, the CBC published a follow-up report that reveals new details about how beloved and determined the victim, Hrishikesh Koloth, was before his passing.

Originally from Kerala, India, Hrishikesh Koloth had been training in MMA for over a decade. After he began learning in India, he continued in Canada after moving to the country three years ago. He had been living in Penticton, British Columbia, with his older brother Arjun Koloth, who spoke to CBC about the loss.

Arjun Koloth explained that his brother had high hopes when he came to Canada. "That was his dream. That's why he came here. He wanted to fight in the UFC." He noted that his brother was training with Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, and people believed in him. "Everybody had high hopes on him." He went on to lament that his brother, Hrishikesh Koloth, didn't get to fulfill his potential. "It shouldn't have been like this."

While speaking to the CBC, Arjun Koloth was back in Kerala, India, for his brother's funeral and to be with family at this time. He told the outlet about how he learned about the attack. "An RCMP came to my door and knocked and let me know that your brother has passed away in Saskatchewan." He then spoke about how profoundly the tragedy had affected him and described why he was speaking out. "I wanted him to be known for what he does, how he was. I can't do anything anymore, so at least I could do this for him. I want him to be remembered for what he does."

Arjun Koloth tried to explain who the world lost when Hrishikesh Koloth died. He described his brother as a humble, fearless, and fiercely loyal person who would do anything for their parents, whom he spoiled. He also spoke about how brave and tenacious his brother was. "He's not scared of anything. Two days' notice before a fight? Doesn't matter. Opponent heavier than him? Doesn't matter. Win or lose, he just wanted to fight… Innocent heart, fighter's soul. Warrior. And I'd just like to say he fought bear. That's all … bear didn't attack him. He attacked the bear."

Our thoughts are with Hrishikesh Koloth's family and friends during this difficult time.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM.