Chute Boxe’s Diego Lima vows to keep Allan Nascimento’s name alive

Chute Boxe head coach Diego Lima has renamed his training institute the Allan Nascimento Institute in honor of the late UFC flyweight, who died in early August at age 22 from apparent cardiac arrest while asleep. The emotional tribute reflects Lima's 20-year relationship with Nascimento, who had been his student since age 14.

In a tearful statement to MMA Fighting, Lima emphasized the depth of their bond beyond the typical coach-fighter relationship. Nascimento served as Lima's business partner, managing communications and negotiations for his coaching affairs. The two had discussed a future where Nascimento would eventually take over Lima's operations after retiring in his late 30s or 40s—a plan now impossible.

"As long as I live, I will honor his name," Lima said. "He was one of the most loyal friends I've ever had in my life."

The Chute Boxe team continues to grieve deeply. Notably, teammate Charles Oliveira withdrew from a UFC 331 rematch against Arman Tsarukyan to mourn Nascimento's passing. The renaming of Lima's institute stands as a permanent memorial to a fighter and friend lost far too young.