ONE FC’s Chinese MMA fighter dies of heart attack – Autopsy report

MANILA, Philippines – ONE Championship released the official autopsy report of Chinese fighter Yang Jian Bing, who died hours before the promotion’s year-end event dubbed “Spirit of Champions” last December 11. 

The results of the autopsy showed that Yang died due to an acute myocardial infarction, contrary to a circulating report that rhabdomyolysis was the cause and manner of death.

According to Cleveland Clinic’s website, the aforementioned diagnosis remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide as it occurs when the myocardial ischemia, a diminished blood supply to the heart, exceeds a critical threshold and overwhelms myocardial cellular repair mechanisms designed to maintain normal operating function and homeostasis.

The article added that the ischemia at its critical threshold level for an extended period results in irreversible myocardial cell damage or death.

The autopsy was performed by Dr Voltaire Nulud, who was the acting medical legal officer on duty, shortly after the passing of Yang on December 11 at 12:06 pm.

(READ: Angela Lee pays tribute to MMA fighter who died before ONE FC card)

In ONE’s press statement, Asia’s largest mixed martial arts promotion disclosed that Yang’s remains have been repatriated back to China after his family and friends held a private vigil. 

“Yang Jian Bing’s passing has been an extremely sad and painful time for me and the entire MMA community. My thoughts are with Yang’s family, friends, and fans around the world,” company head honcho Victor Cui said.

Yang, who is listed as age 21 with a 5-1 (1 no contest) record on Sherdog.com, was originally slated to face Filipino stalwart Geje Eustaquio in a 3-round flyweight contest on the undercard of ONE: Spirit of Champions, but the bout was cancelled as the Chinese competitor was unable to make weight.

At first, ONE was tight-lipped regarding Yang’s condition as neither fighter attended the official weigh-in, which took place a day before the actual event.

In Eustaquio’s Facebook post on Friday morning of December 11, he revealed that his Chinese opponent was rushed to the hospital after suffering dehydration and possible heat stroke. (READ: Eustaquio remains grateful despite ONE FC bout’s cancellation)

Yang turned professional in 2013 and competed his first 4 matches under the Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation banner before fighting his first fight in ONE at its “Warrior’s Quest” card this past May.

Yang suffered his first loss in his last fight, a split-decision to Ze Wu in June on a card in which he fought twice in the same night. – Rappler.com