Inspirational jiu-jitsu blue belt with cerebral palsy, cancer dies at age 20

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Ian Matuszak, an inspirational young man who touched the lives of so many people, passed away at the age of 20 earlier this week after a tough battle against an aggressive form of cancer.  Ian had also been suffering from cerebral palsy. 

He was a regular at LAW MMA where he struck up friendships with various fighters and instructors including former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman, former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt “The Terror” Serra, Pete “Drago” Sell, Dave Patton and many others.

Ian made headlines in October when, shortly after being diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer, he received his blue belt from Matt Serra.  He had overcome physical disabilities to make his dreams comes true. He seemed poised for so much success before passing away on Wednesday.

"He trained before the cancer diagnosis at least twice weekly" instructor Dave Patton said shortly after Ian was promoted. "He's done two tournaments. One was for people with disabilities and the other was a regular tournament.  He's one of the hardest working and driven people I've ever trained with."

The news of Ian's passing was tweeted out on Wednesday evening by former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman.