21-year-old fighter dies during weight cut at MMA event in Asia

Bing (photo) was just 21 years old and had six professional MMA fights. Photo: Disclosure

The severe weight-cutting process to which professional fighters are subjected, in practically all disciplines, is a constant target of criticism and its risks are now and again the subject of wide discussion in the martial arts community. Once again, however, tragically, the practice of radical weight loss before a fight claims another victim. Chinese Yang Jian Bing ended up passing away while preparing for the ONE FC event, the largest MMA organization in Asia.

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Yang was already having problems with his weight cut and did not even participate in the official weigh-in for ONE FC 35, held last Thursday (10). According to the athlete who would be his opponent in the event, Geje Eustaquio, through a post on social media, the Chinese athlete had been rushed to the hospital, with symptoms of severe dehydration and heatstroke.

The young fighter's death was confirmed by ONE FC president, Victor Cui. “There is nothing more deeply tragic and sad than when a member of the ONE FC family, current or past, passes away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and those who loved Yan Jian Bing. We are working together with the family and offering all the support they need to deal with this difficult time. Yang passed away this afternoon. The causes of death are still being determined”, wrote the leader, in an official note published on social media.

Subsequently, ONE FC itself released a statement in which it confirmed the athlete's death, but without mentioning the weight cut. “The ONE FC family suffered a tragic loss when Chinese bantamweight Yang Jian Bing passed away on December 11th at 12:06 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest. Yang was hospitalized at San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay, Philippines, after collapsing on the morning of December 10. At the hospital, he received the best medical treatment possible and ONE FC officials continuously updated the family,” reads an excerpt from the statement.

The ONE FC organization is still unsure whether or not to hold the event in the Philippines even after the tragic death of Yang Jian Bing.