A Portuguese MMA fighter remains in a serious condition in hospital following a Total Extreme Fighting event at the weekend.

Joao Carvalho was taken to hospital on Saturday night after being assessed by doctors at the National Stadium in Dublin.

He had earlier been beaten in a fight against Charlie 'The Hospital' Ward - a team-mate of Conor McGregor.

It's understood Carvalho, who's from Portugal, left the cage and was checked by doctors who advised him to go to hospital.

In a statement today Total Extreme Fighting said their "thoughts are with Joao Carvalho, his family and Team Nobrega" at this time.

"Joao's welfare is our primary focus at this moment in time but we will update you on Joao's condition as it becomes clearer".

Total Extreme Fighting has appealed for privacy.

"If you could respect Joao Carvalho and Team Nobrega's privacy at this time, it would be greatly appreciated."

Ward's trainer John Kavanagh has said he is "absolutely devastated" for Carvalho and his family.

In a post on his Facebook page, Kavanagh added that he "hopes the expert medical attention he's receiving can help him through this."