ONE Championship Fighter Yang Jian Bing Dies Following Failed Weight Cut

Tragedy befell ONE Championship on Friday, as 21-year-old Chinese fighter Yang Jian Bing died following complications due to an unsuccessful weight cut. He had been scheduled to face Geje Eustaquio at ONE: Spirit of Champions in Manila, but collapsed suddenly prior to weigh-ins and was rushed to hospital where doctors were unable to save him.

“There is nothing more profoundly tragic and sad than when a member of the ONE Championship family, current or past, passes away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Yang Jian Bing,” said Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship.

RELATED > Brandon Vera Scores Quickfire KO to Capture ONE Heavyweight Title

“We will work closely with the family and offer all the support they need in any way we can during this very difficult time.”

Yang competes in the 125-pound division and had fought on two prior occasions for ONE Championship, in May and June. His bout with Eustaquio was scrapped at late notice with the Filipino informing fans that his opponent had been “rushed to the hospital due to dehydration and possible heat stroke.”

A ONE Championship statement read, “Yang Jian Bing passed away on 11 December 2015 at 12.06 PM due to cardiopulmonary failure. The formal hospital medical reports and procedures are still being carried out.”

ONE Championship officials are in contact with Jian Bing’s family.

“I want to thank all sports fans around the world for their concern, thoughts and prayers,” said Cui. “At this time, we appreciate everyone respecting the Yang family’s privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”