Mother confirms Samman is in a coma, refutes drug rumors

UFC fighter Josh Samman is fighting for his life.

Following a flurry of speculation on social media, including supportive tweets from his MMA colleagues, more substantial details are beginning to emerge regarding Samman being hospitalized last Thursday.

The Tallahassee Democrat was the first news outlet to report that Samman and roommate Troy Kirkingburg were found unresponsive in their South Florida residence. The report was confirmed by a police statement released Monday, according to MMA Fighting.

Kirkingburg was declared dead upon arrival, but the status of Samman was the subject of much discussion. Police are currently investigating the case, but have thus far ruled out foul play.

In April, Samman published his first book, "The Housekeeper: Love, Death and Prizefighting." The memoir includes sections describing his past struggles with addiction, leading some fans to wonder if his current situation is drug related.

On Monday, Samman's mother issued a statement to FOX Sports, confirming that Samman is in a coma, but denying the involvement of heroin:

Josh is still in a coma, and more tests are being done. That is the latest update on my son's condition. And in spite of speculation, there was no heroin found in Josh's system whatsoever. No matter what people are posting on social media.

The reason I am making this statement is, because Josh touched so many lives, and loved inspiring others, especially young people. I don't want them to lose faith in him, and whatever he brought out in them, because of the lies. He would want them to "never give up."

Samman last fought in July, a TKO loss to Tim Boetsch. He was scheduled to face Oluwale Bamgbose on Dec. 9.