MMA fighter Langston ‘Blaze’ Sykes, 31, was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida

The residents knew the pro-fighter, his ex-wife and children lived at the home and someone there had a active court injunction against him 

There were several adults and children inside the home, and one person shot Sykes several times after he’d successfully broken into the property and rushed at those inside – police

Authorities believe the fatal shooting could count as self-defense under the state’s Stand Your Ground legislation 

MMA fighter Langston Sykes, [photo], was shot dead just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida

A popular mixed martial arts fighter was shot and killed while partaking in a home invasion, according to authorities. 
Langston Sykes was shot just before 11pm on Tuesday night inside a home in Lake City, Florida. 
Sykes, a 31-year-old MMA professional from Miami who went by Langston “Blaze” Sykes and Lanko Sykes, forced his way into the home just before 11 a.m. before being shot to death by a resident “acting in self-defense,” a Lake City police news release states.
Sykes reportedly, broke in with multiple adults and children home and when he rushed at the people there one of the adults fired several shots at him.

Police said because the mixed martial arts fighter was shot and killed while breaking into a Florida home, the fatal shooting counted as self-defense under the state’s Stand Your Ground legislation 

Officials said in a statement that those inside the address knew Sykes. On his social media, Sykes is listed as a father-of-five. Friends and family say the fighter’s ex-wife and children lived at the home where the shooting happened.
According to police said one of the adults residing at the home also had an active injunction out against Sykes.
While officers say they’re still investigating whether charges are appropriate in this case or if the shooting occurred in an act of self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground, some law enforcement sources believe the fatal shooting counted as self-defense under the legislation.  
Police Chief Gerald Butler said: ‘This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
‘Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion.’ 

Officials said in a statement that Sykes had successfully broken into the property. The residents knew the pro-fighter and one of them had a active court injunction against him 

One of his ex-wife’s friends, Madeline Ault, had this to say, ‘In their home that they had together, he was coming in and throwing stuff around or breaking things and causing problems… So, she got her own place.
‘The fact that it’s had to come to this is just, I don’t know, insane. It’s hard to believe,’ Ault said.
First responders raced to the scene to aid Sykes but he died at the scene, according to police. 
His coach James Smiley shared a tribute to him on his Facebook, writing that he was a ‘fierce competitor’. 
Smiley wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the news of the loss of our teammate, our friend, and our brother, Langston. He was more than just a part of our team, he was family.
‘Langston was not only a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate, but he was also a great father, a loyal friend, and a man who brought light into every room he entered. 

According to website Tapology, Sykes’ professional MMA record was one win, four losses, and zero draws

‘His kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering support for those he loved will never be forgotten.
‘Our hearts go out to his family, especially his five children, who were his greatest pride and joy. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.’
According to website Tapology, he had a professional MMA record of one win, four losses, and zero draws. 
His last fight happened in August of 2024, beating out his opponent Anson Swindle to win by a technical knock out in the first round.