Popular mixed martial arts fighter Langston Sykes was shot and killed while breaking into a Florida home, according to authorities.
The 31-year-old was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida, according to the local police department.
Detectives believe the fatal shooting counted as self-defense under the state’s Stand Your Ground legislation.
Officials said in a statement that the multiple adults and children inside the address knew Sykes and that one had an active injunction out against the fighter, who last competed in August with a first-round knockout victory over Anson Swindle.
Sykes, who had five children, successfully broke into the property and ‘rushed’ at one of the occupants who then opened fire, according to police.
UFC bantamweight fighter Ramon Taveras, who ‘shared the mats’ with Sykes, mourned his passing, saying to anybody ‘chasing a dream don’t lose it over something or somebody’.
Detectives believe the fatal shooting counted as self-defense under the state’s Stand Your Ground legislation.
Police Chief Gerald Butler said: ‘This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
Langston Sykes, 31, was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida
Officials said in a statement that those inside the address knew Sykes, and that he had successfully broken into the property
‘Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion.’
First responders raced to the scene to aid Sykes but he died at the scene, according to police.
On his social media, Sykes went under the name Langston ‘Blaze’ Sykes, and was a kickboxer and father-of-five.
His coach James Smiley shared a tribute to him on his Facebook, writing that he was a ‘fierce competitor’.
Smiley wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the news of the loss of our teammate, our friend, and our brother, Langston. He was more than just a part of our team, he was family.
‘Langston was not only a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate, but he was also a great father, a loyal friend, and a man who brought light into every room he entered.
‘His kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering support for those he loved will never be forgotten.
‘Our hearts go out to his family, especially his five children, who were his greatest pride and joy. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.’
According to website Tapology, he had a professional MMA record of one win, four losses, and zero draws.
His last fight happened in August of 2024, beating out his opponent Anson Swindle to win by a technical knock out in the first round
Officers added that an adult inside the home also had an active injunction out against Sykes
Since his passing, others in the world of MMA have also paid tribute to Sykes.
Ring announcer Christopher J Rothstein said: ‘I’m heartbroken making this post. I just found out that Lanko Sykes was shot and killed last night.
‘I don’t know the circumstances of what exactly happened, I just know it’s sad. He was a pleasure to have around during fight week.
‘He was a fighter, a friend to so many, and he loved being a father to his children. God bless his family during this tragic time.’
Fellow fighter Taveras added: ‘Didn’t really know Lanko Sykes but we shared the mats together a few times. Sad to see this happen.
‘This man was talented and it’s sad to see him gone so early, so much more life he had to give. Leaving 5 children behind as well man, I can only imagine.’
Trainer Glen Cannon added: ‘I’ve been at a lost for words since this morning, waking up to the messages that my brother was gone.
‘It still don’t seem real. More than just a close friend, Lanko was like a brother to me, hell at times we would butt heads, disagree, and get on each others ass like blood brothers but It was always with love.’
