MMA fighter and Demi Lovato’s ex-partner Guilherme ‘Bomba’ Vasconcelos dies, aged 38

Mixed martial arts fighter Guilherme ‘Bomba’ Vasconcelos has died, aged 38.

The Brazilian was also the ex-partner of American singer and actress, Demi Lovato.

Vasconcelos’s passing was announced by his uncle, Walter Vasconcelos Jr, on Facebook.

“Sad, very sad your farewell, Guilherme Vasconcelos! And so far from us in the USA,” the post said in Portuguese.

“My dear nephew, my consecration godson, extreme father of little Naomi, much loved son of my sister Elisabete Vasconcelos and his father #chiropractor, partner and friend of his brothers, Breno and Isabela and our extended families who today mourn his premature departure.”

No cause of death has been provided, but the fighter’s uncle hinted that his career in the cage may have played a role.

“You pursued your dreams in America as an MMA fighter, Guilherme Bomba, became a Brazilian champion, but we didn’t think she would also take you on a journey of no return without any of us around,” he said in the post (which has been translated to English).

“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 receive you in His infinite mercy and comfort all of us who have always loved you unconditionally!”

Bomba’s mother, Elisabete, posted a tribute of her own, also on Facebook.

“Eternal longing for my beloved son,” she said in Portuguese.

Elisabete’s neighbour added: “With great sadness in my heart, I share this sad news about the death of the son of a special friend and neighbour Elisabete Vasconcelos.

“Guilherme brought so much light into our world that I am sure that today he lights up our sky.

“So sorry for your loss. Praying for God to comfort you and your entire family’s heart.”

Bomba had only recently been competing in the Jiu Jitsu World League, but had struggled with a back injury a few months before his passing.

“Unfortunately the injury I had in my lower back one month ago came back, and when I finished my first fight, I could no longer walk and had to abandon the competition,” he wrote ahead of a tournament in Las Vegas in August.

“One of the most frustrating situations that has ever happened to me in a competition.

“Now the focus is on my recovery.”

He had competed in 16 MMA competitions in his career.

Lovato and Bomba first started seeing each other in 2016, but called it quits in 2017.

The former Disney Channel actor is now engaged to Canadian musician, Jutes.