ONE Championship fighter Iuri Lapicus died Monday in Italy due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash last week, the promotion confirmed with ESPN. He was 27.
“The ONE Championship team is heartbroken over the tragic passing of Iuri Lapicus,” the promotion wrote in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.”
According to Milano Today, Lapicus crashed his motorbike Friday into a vehicle driven by a woman in northwest Milan and had to be airlifted via helicopter to a hospital in the city. Lapicus was in a coma until Monday, per reports.
Lapicus (14-2) was a former ONE 185-pound title challenger. The Moldovan-born resident of Italy competed against former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in 2021, a bout that went to a no-contest after Lapicus landed unintentional punches to the back of Alvarez’s head. Lapicus fought most recently last August, a loss to Zebaztian Kadestam. Lapicus had begun his pro MMA career with 14 straight victories.