RIP K-1 legend Mike Bernardo, 1969-2012

A reliable source close to the situation has confirmed that K-1 legend and one-time MMA fighter Mike Bernardo has passed away. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Michael "Mike" Bernardo (born 28 July 1969) is a South African former kickboxer and boxer from Cape Town. Bernardo is known as Beru-chan in Japan, where he has taken part in K-1 World GPs since 1994. He holds notable wins over Mirko Filipovi?, Andy Hug, Francisco Filho, Branco Cikatic, and 3 straight wins over K-1 legend Peter Aerts.

He made his K-1 debut in K-1 World GP 1995 Opening against Andy Hug. Since then he participated in 5 World Grand Prix Finals, achieving the biggest success in 1996. He reached the final but lost to Hug via spining low kick KO.

On New Year's Eve of 2004, Bernardo was going to face Nigerian fighter and Japanese-TV personality Bobby Ologun in "K1-Dynamite!" but couldn't take part in the event due to an injury and retired from K-1.

source:UG