Angela Lee pays tribute to MMA fighter who died before ONE FC card

MANILA, Philippines – MMA fighter Angela Lee did not leave the cage without first paying tribute to her late friend and fellow fighter Yang Jian Bing during ONE Championship’s “Spirit of Champions” event on Friday, December 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

(LIVE BLOG: ONE: Spirit of Champions)

Lee, who was still panting after her victory over Ukranian Lena Tkhorevska, grabbed the mic following her post-match interview to say a few words about Yang, who died Friday afternoon.

“I had the pleasure of meeting him in my debut in May in my first professional fight. He’s a great guy, he keeps smiling, he’s an awesome person and he will be missed,” said Lee, her voice cracking.

“A lot of people passing before their time. Rest in peace.”

Yang was scheduled to fight Filipino Geje Eustaquio Friday but the bout was scrapped Thursday night, December 10 after both fighters failed to show up at weigh-in. It turned out Yang failed to make weight for the flyweight division which has a limit of 125 pounds.

ONE chief Victor Cui announced Yang’s surprising death on his official Facebook page Friday afternoon but said the cause of death “is still being determined.”

“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,” Cui said. (READ: MMA fighter slated for ONE FC card dies before show)

A moment of silence was held for the fallen fighter inside the Arena right before Lee’s bout.

(READ: Ana Julaton loses decision to Russian foe in ONE FC return)

Lee, 19, defeated the 26-year old Tkhorevska via submission on a rear-naked choke at the 3:26 mark of Round 2. The “Unstoppable” Singaporean remains undefeated in her MMA career with a 4-0 record.

Tkhorevska dropped to a 3-2 record. – Rappler.com