MMA fighter slated for ONE FC card dies before show

MANILA, Philippines – The curtain will rise for ONE Championship’s “Spirit of Champions” fight card under a black shadow on Friday, December 11, as news breaks that Chinese fighter Yang Jian Bing has died.

Bing, who is listed as age 21 with a 5-1 (1 no contest) mixed martial arts record on Sherdog.com, was originally slated to face Filipino combatant Geje Eustaquio in a 3-round flyweight contest at the company’s year-end event at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines, but the bout was cancelled as the Chinese competitor was unable to make weight.

ONE chief Victor Cui announced Yang’s surprising death on his official Facebook page.

“There’s nothing more profoundly tragic and sad than 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,” he wrote. 

Neither fighter attended the official weigh-in on Thursday, December 10 at SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall.

In Eustaquio’s Facebook post on Friday morning, December 11, he revealed that his Chinese opponent was rushed to the hospital after suffering dehydration and possible heat stroke.

At first, Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization was tight-lipped regarding Yang’s condition during the weigh-in. 

According to Cui, Yang’s cause of death currently remains unknown.

According to Sherdog, Yang turned pro in 2013 and fought his first 4 fights with Chinese-based promotion Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation (RUFF) before fighting his first bout with ONE at their “Warrior’s Quest” card in 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.

The Filipino-Canadian promoter promises that ONE will lend a helping hand to Yang’s bereaved family. 

“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 stated. – Rappler.com