Tributes have poured in for MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson after his tragic death in New Zealand on New Year’s Day.

Wilson, a 26-year-old welterweight prospect, was in the New Zealand city of Gisborne for ‘Rhythm and Vines’ festival when he suddenly passed on Wednesday morning. His cause of death is currently unknown. 

‘The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner,’ police told Te Ao News in a statement.

Rhythm and Vines festival was held from December 29-31, with the final day ending in the early hours of Wednesday January 1.

The MMA world is grieving the loss of Wilson, with several tributes coming in for the Kiwi fighter – including from one of the gyms he based himself in back home in New Zealand.

‘It’s with profound sadness that we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community—our brother, Hakaraia Wilson,’ the Oliver MMA and Fitness Gym wrote on Instagram. 

MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson has tragically died at the age of 26, it has been announced

‘There are no words that can truly capture what we’re all feeling right now.’

Soma Fight Club in Bali, where Wilson also trained, said in its own Instagram post: ‘With you always. Rest easy young warrior, always in our hearts forever more. We will carry you with us into battle always.

‘Until we see you again, we love you Hakaraia.’

‘Fly high brother,’ posted UFC star Dan Hooker alongside a photo of Wilson.

‘Heartbreaking!’ said UFC contender Kai Kara-France. ‘Fly high my Maori. Too many of our young tane taken too soon.’

After getting his professional career underway in 2020, Wilson had amassed a 4-3 record as an MMA fighter before his passing. 

His last outing, a stoppage victory over Mark Alcoba in Bali, took place in October.

The 170lbs fighter dedicated most of his life to martial arts, with Jiu-Jitsu his preferred discipline. 

Wilson (left) had amassed a 4-3 record as an MMA fighter before his shock passing this week

He was recently based in America under the Bellator MMA promotion. 

‘I started getting into fighting under the guidance of my dad,’ Wilson told Te Ao News back in 2020. 

‘He was a fighter back in the day and, as I was growing up, I’d go to his training and watch him. 

‘From then I knew what I wanted to do and so, without my dad I probably wouldn’t have chosen to do this sport.’