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Tragedies like these often make us question the fanatical passion athletes have for their sport. 21-year-old Chinese MMA fighter Yang Jian Bing has died from repercussions of dehydration while trying to make weight.
The flyweight (125 lbs or 57 Kg) fighter was scheduled to fight Filipino Geje Eustaquio at ONE Championship 35 on Friday in the Philippines. Bing collapsed before the weigh-ins on Thursday and was rushed to a hospital in Pasay, Philippines, surmised of having been afflicted with heat stroke.
ONE officials made a statement to the media on Friday that Bing had passed away due to cardiopulmonary failure. Victor Cui, CEO of ONE, said this in a separate statement: ”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. We will work closely with the family and offer all the support they need in any way we can during this very difficult time.”
Cui went on to add that the organization would “appreciate everyone respecting the Yang family's privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.” The Mall of Asia Arena, the venue of the event, observed a moment of silence in memory of up-and-coming fighter. Bing’s professional record stood at 5-1.
As with all combat sports, MMA too has a number of weight divisions and disconcerting as it is to read that fighters heavily dehydrate themselves to make weight, it is commonplace in their community.
Weight-cutting and rehydration methods are under the magnifying glass as of now, with the California State Athletic Commission organising a conference next week to discuss the issue. At the deliberation will be delegates from the top MMA promotions in the world including the UFC, Bellator and World Series of Fighting.
