The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) was stunned this week after learning of the death of 27-year-old Iuri Lapicus.
According to the Daily Caller, the Moldovan-Italian ONE Championship fighter succumbed to injuries he sustained in a horrific motorcycle crash in Milan, Italy on Friday.
MMA Fighter Iuri Lapicus Dead at 27 #NewsBreak https://t.co/cGXXREsH71
— Nina Vintage (@NVOSF) March 21, 2023
ESPN described the horrible development:
"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 joined ONE Championship in 2019. His last fight took place in August 2022.
The One Championship promotion released a statement on the saddening update of one of its MMA stars.
"The ONE Championship team is heartbroken over the tragic passing of Iuri Lapicus," the promotion's statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time."
"Rise In Paradise Iuri Lapicus," one Twitter user wrote, amid a flood of tributes to the young fighter.
Rise In Paradise Iuri Lapicus 🙏🏾#iurilapicus #rip #mma #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/1bkU4P9R29
— TheNoble187 (@TheNoble187) March 21, 2023
Lapicus was undoubtedly an up-and-comer in the world of mixed martial arts, having emerged victorious in 14 of his 16 professional MMA bouts.
"The MMA world are mourning the loss of former ONE Championship lightweight title challenger Iuri Lapicus, who tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident late last week. RIP Iuri," Fighter's Only tweeted Tuesday.
The MMA world are mourning the loss of former ONE Championship lightweight title challenger Iuri Lapicus, who tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident late last week. RIP Iuri 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rCwIXvkENX
— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) March 21, 2023
Clearly, his life was taken far too soon. He will clearly be remembered and missed by the sport and his family, friends, and fans around the world.