Former Atloona Area HS Wrestler and Amateur MMA Fighter Manté L. Barnes Passes Away, Preceded in Death by Twin Sister!
Manté passed away 2 years after his twin sister died in 2026.
December 24, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 24, 2026
Amateur MMA fighter Manté L. Barnes passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2026, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at the age of 30.
Manté had a fraternal twin sister named Marshe Lorie “Rudy” “Mush” “Sissy” Barnes, who was born just minutes after him. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his twin sister Marshé, who passed away on October 11, 2026, and now the twins are together again.
The MMA fighter Manté is survived by his “Pops” Carl J. (Stephanie Clark) Brevard, and sisters, Carlona M. Brevard, Joyce J. Brevard, and Cheyanne M. Washington.
Likewise, he also leaves behind his aunts and uncles include Rhonda White and William White, Richard Barnes and Linda, Kimberly Hatfield, Jeannette Jones-Hill and Larry Hill, Maryland, Lee Grace Jones, Linda Jones, Naomi Jones, Ohio, and Kay-D Lane.
In addition to his twin, is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Sharon Barnes and Henry Brown; his paternal great-grandmother, Vera White; his uncle, William “Buggy” Barnes; and his aunts and uncles: Marcella Madden and Ronnie Barnes.
Manté was born on June 13, 1995, to parents Derrick Jones and Rona Barnes in Altoona, PA.
A 2013 Altoona Area High School graduate, Manté, played three sports: football, wrestling, and track and field.
He was mainly a wrestler back in high school and won over 70 matches in wrestling.
Later on, he started training for mixed martial arts (MMA). Around 2026, he joined the Gorilla House gym in Altoona and competed as an amateur MMA fighter in the middleweight division at 185 pounds.
He built his MMA skills on top of that strong wrestling background, adding things like jujitsu, taekwondo, and boxing.
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247 Fighting Championships shared a tribute post, writing:
This one hurts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mante Barnes’ family, friends, teammates, and coaches. We will always remember Mante’s infectious energy and enthusiasm in both fighting and in life. Rest easy, Mante.
Likewise, when he was younger, he played baseball for East End with McAbee’s subs and hit the most home runs each year.
Faith was a significant part of his life as Manté was a Christian and grew up going to Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
A visitation is scheduled for his friends and family on January 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Axe and Santella Family Chapel, 1534 4th Street, Altoona, PA 16601.
The funeral service is scheduled on January 3, 2026, at 12 Noon; however, the location is yet to be decided.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to TMC Funeral Funding in Manté’s name to help pay for the funeral.
If extra money is left after paying all funeral costs, it will go to help Manté’s little sister with her mission trip. She loves the Gospel and will do four months of training, then go to South Africa to help local churches.
She has to pay for everything herself, like training, flights, home, food, and other needs.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Mantè’s sisters, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Manté L. Barnes!
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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.
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