A man arrested following the death of rising MMA fighter Fau Vake has pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter.

Vake was hospitalised after a brawl erupted on Symonds Street in May last year.

He was in critical care and underwent surgery to try relieve pressure on his brain.

Tragically, he died nine days later.

Four men were arrested following the 25-year-old's death.

RNZ reports Daniel Havili, who appeared in Auckland High Court today, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Fau Vake, and to assaulting Fau's brother Ika Vake, who survived.

Havili's name suppression lapsed today and he can be named for the first time.

Another man, Siofilisi Paongo, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ika Vake.

A total of four men were charged. Three have now pleaded guilty, and one denies his charges and will go to trial this year.

In August last year Ofa He Mooni Folau, 29, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting with intent to injure.

Folau was sentenced to six months' home detention,

Since Vake's death, the New Zealand community has called for harsher penalties against such crimes.

A petition has been set up calling for mandatory prison sentences for anyone found guilty of such an act.

People behind the petition are expected to march to parliament tomorrow to raise awareness of the issue.

-Additional reporting by RNZ.