Fairbanks local, UFC legend dies of COVID-19 at age 51

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) -Paul “The Polar Bear” Varelans lost his battle with the Coronavirus over the weekend.

Varelans was admitted into Atlanta’s Emory Universit Hospital Midtown in early December after being diagnosed with the virus. He was placed on mechanical ventilation then put into an induced coma. He lost his battle with COVID-19 on Saturday, January 16. Varelans was 51 years old.

“[The] best way I can compare the feeling of COVID19 in my experience is it’s like fighting a guy who specializes in kidney punches they never stop coming.” Varelans wrote in a December 13th post to his Facebook page.

Doris Green, Varelans’ mother called KTVF and confirmed his death.

Varelans graduated West Valley High School Class of 1988 before heading to San Jose State University where he played football and participate in a boxing club.

Varelans made his UFC debut on July 14, 1995, at Ultimate Fighting Championship 6: Clash of the Titans.