UFC fighter Shane Del Rosario dies after recent heart attack

Shane Del Rosario, an Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight from Orange County, died Monday nearly two weeks after suffering a heart attack.

Del Rosario, 30, fell into a coma after the heart attack, which doctors at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital in Newport Beach told family was likely a result of a congenital disorder, said the fighter’s manager, Jason House.

The UFC said in a statement that it “mourns the tragic loss” of Del Rosario, a product of Dana Hills High who lived in Laguna Niguel. “The entire organization sends its deepest condolences to Shane’s family and friends.”

After shining in muay thai and making his way up the pro mixed martial arts ladder for smaller circuits King of the Cage, Elite XC and M-1 Global, Del Rosario impressed fighting for Strikeforce, winning all three fights with first-round stoppages (two by submission).

He was going to fight UFC light-heavyweight Daniel Cormier in Strikeforce, but was injured in a car accident and the bout was scratched.

In 2012, Del Rosario debuted in UFC and lost to Stipe Miocic and Pat Barry, then was sidelined throughout 2013 because of injuries, including a rib injury that prompted UFC to scrap his scheduled Dec. 28 fight.

He was 11-2 in MMA.

Del Rosario was a roommate of UFC flyweight Ian McCall, who declined interview requests Monday, the UFC said.

Pugmire writes for the Los Angeles Times.