Heavyweight prospect Lavar Johnson reportedly fighting for life after suffering gunshot wound

Quote :: Strikeforce, WEC and Palace Fighting Championship veteran Lavar Johnson (12-3) is reportedly battling for his life after suffering a gun shot wound early Sunday morning.

Johnson and three others were injured in Bakersfield, Calif., just after 12 a.m. PT Sunday morning when an unidentified assailant opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun at a gathering that the fighter was attending.

A fifth victim, Anthony Mack Johnson, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson is currently under medical supervision, Bakersfield police representatives were unsure of which hospital was currently treating the heavyweight fighter.

Though the complete details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting are still being investigated, the Bakersfield Californian has reported that Johnson was attending a family reunion/Independence Day celebration. Just after midnight, up to three pedestrians – now suspects in the crime – were seen walking past the house that was hosting the celebration.

One of the suspects, described as a black male in his late teens, opened fire and "began to indiscriminately discharge the weapon" according to the report.

Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz told MMAjunkie.com the organization is both shocked and saddened by the news.

"It's such an unfortunate situation," Afromowitz said. "Lavar is an amazing fighter, and he is also one of the nicest guys you could ever meet."

Afromowitz said he was still learning the full details of the situation at this time.

"We're not sure exactly what happened, but we know Lavar is fighting for his life right now in a local hospital," Afromowitz said. "Obviously we're hoping for the best for Lavar and his family."

Johnson fought for Strikeforce in May, earning a highlight-reel knockout over Carl Seumanutafa in just 18 seconds. The win was Johnson's fifth straight, and 11 of his 12 career wins have come by knockout or TKO.