David Grostic, a professional mixed martial artist who trained at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, has died at the age of 27. News of his passing has spread throughout the MMA community, prompting tributes from gyms, teammates, coaches, sponsors and others who knew him during his combat-sports career.
Grostic was born on February 22, 1999, and built a professional record of two wins and no losses. His most recent professional bout took place in March 2026 for UWCM, where he defeated Alex Garzon by rear-naked choke in the first round.
His first professional victory came in November 2025 at Riot Fight League 13, where he stopped Israim Guerrero with punches in the opening round. Before beginning his professional career, Grostic also competed as an amateur and recorded a unanimous-decision victory over Pablo Herrera at GAMMA in 2024.
Grostic began his journey in combat sports in San Diego before eventually moving to Las Vegas to pursue his ambitions as a professional fighter. His dedication to the sport led him to train at respected gyms and work alongside other fighters as he developed his skills.
He trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy and later became associated with Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Friends who knew him during his earlier years in San Diego said his decision to relocate was motivated by his goal of building a career in professional MMA.
People who trained with Grostic remembered him not only for his commitment to competition but also for the way he treated those around him. A former training partner who spent years alongside him at Atos described him as a supportive and encouraging presence in the gym.
According to those who knew him, Grostic made an effort to support teammates during important moments in their careers. He was remembered as a training partner who wanted to see the people around him succeed, both inside the competition arena and in their personal lives.
Following news of his death, members of the MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu communities began sharing messages of sympathy for Grostic’s family and loved ones. His connections to multiple gyms meant that tributes came from people who had trained with him at different stages of his career.
Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Las Vegas announced that it would collect donations at the gym to help Grostic’s family with funeral expenses and other costs associated with his passing. The academy described him as a beloved member of its community and encouraged those who knew him to support his family.
Upper Sports Management, which represented Grostic as an athlete, also shared a tribute mourning his death and expressing condolences to his family and friends.
Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ, where Grostic trained during his years in San Diego, also shared a message of support. The gym sent love and prayers to his family and those who knew him, remembering him as someone whose presence and memory would remain important to the people who trained alongside him.
His sponsor, Real Estate Titans, also paid tribute to Grostic. The company said it was proud to have supported him as he pursued his goals in professional MMA and remembered his courage and discipline inside the cage.
Grostic competed at featherweight and lightweight during his fighting career and appeared to be building momentum as a professional competitor. His undefeated professional record included two stoppage victories, with both of his professional wins coming before the end of the first round.
Despite the tributes being shared throughout the MMA community, details surrounding Grostic’s death have not been publicly released. The circumstances of his passing remain undisclosed, and funeral arrangements are being organized with assistance from members of his gym and wider community.
As teammates, coaches, friends and supporters remember David Grostic, many are focusing on his dedication to martial arts, his relationships with fellow athletes and the encouragement he offered to those around him. Further information about memorial arrangements and his family’s wishes is expected to be shared in the coming days.
