Former ONE Championship title challenger Iuri Lapicus has died tragically at the age of 27.
Lapicus, a Moldovan fighting out of Italy, last fought in August of 2022, and in 2020 challenged Christian Lee for the ONE lightweight championship.
ONE Championship officials confirmed the news on Monday, releasing a statement honoring the departed fighter.
“The ONE Championship team is heartbroken over the tragic passing of Iuri Lapicus,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Iuri.”
The ONE Championship team is heartbroken over the tragic passing of Iuri Lapicus. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Iuri. pic.twitter.com/jBASYOOlbV
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 21, 2023
News of Lapicus passing was first reported by Sherdog.
Lapicus had been involved in a motorcycle accident in Italy, with his motorcycle crashing into a car driven by a woman in Milan last week. A report by Milano Today noted that the fighter was in a coma following the accident.
After turning pro in 2014, Lapicus started his career a perfect 14-0, competing on the Italian regional scene before landing in ONE Championship in 2019. After winning his first two fights with the company, including a submission victory over former featherweight champ Marat Gafurov, Lapicus earned his shot against Lee, only to fall in the opening round.
His next fight saw Lapicus share the cage with Eddie Alvarez at ONE on TNT 1, with the bout ending in a DQ due to Alvarez landing illegal blows to the back of the head. That decision was later revised, with the fight being ruled a No Contest.
Lapicus’ final bout was a loss to former ONE welterweight champion Zebaztian Kadestam. At just 27, however, he was just entering his prime, with plenty of fights ahead.
The past couple of months have been a tough time for ONE, with Lapicus’ passing coming just months after the death of teenage standout Victoria Lee, the younger sister of ONE champs Angela and Christian Lee.
