Israel Juarez, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter who lived in Maricopa’s Rancho Mirage neighborhood, has died. He was 43.
Juarez, who fought under the nickname “Figure Four,” was a Los Angeles native who fought out of Phoenix for American Martial Arts Center. His professional MMA career ran from November 2003 to December 2006.
He ended his professional career undefeated at 5-0, with two wins by knockout or technical knockout and three by submission. He never went to a decision as a professional fighter.
Juarez was the foundation of his home, a husband and father who “provided, protected and loved deeply,” according to his family. He was a respected jiu-jitsu coach who inspired many people in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community.
A GoFundMe created for his family had raised $1,120 toward a $6,500 goal as of Friday morning.
“Our hearts are broken as we share the sudden loss of a loving husband and devoted father,” the fundraiser states. “In an instant, this family’s world has changed forever.”
Donations are being collected to help with funeral and memorial expenses and to support his wife and children, according to the fundraiser.
Juarez had married in 2023.
