Former UFC fighter reacts to tragic demise of ONE Championship star Iuri Lapicus

ONE Championship fighter Iuri Lapicus recently passed away in a tragic accident in Italy on Monday due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash last week. Competing in the lightweight and welterweight divisions of ONE, the 27-year-old was considered a stand-out fighter in the promotion.

ONE released a statement on social media confirming the news. Via a post on Twitter, the promotion stated:

"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."

Among those sharing their sympathies and expressing their condolences on social media was former UFC fighter Josh Thompson. The former Strikeforce champion quote-tweeted ONE's post and wrote:

"Rest easy young man."

Officials confirmed that Lapicus’ death was due to a road accident. According to reports, Iuri Lapicus died after lapsing into a coma from a motorcycle crash in Milan this past weekend. The Moldovan fighter lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into another vehicle. He had to be airlifted via helicopter to a hospital in the city.

The 27-year-old had a record of 14-2-1 and most recently lost to Zebaztian Kadestam via first-round knockout at ONE on Prime Video 1 last August. Lapicus had previously faced former UFC and Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez, two-division champion Christian Lee, and former ONE champion Marat Gafurov.

---

Fans mourn the tragic passing of ONE Championship star Iuri Lapicus

Iuri Lapicus' death has weighed heavily on the MMA community and many fans of the star have taken to social media to express their heartfelt condolences.

As ONE Championship confirmed the sad news via a statement on social media, fans made their feelings known in the comments section of their post on Twitter.

One user reminisced about Lapicus' prior fights and wrote:

"Shocking news. I saw him fight when I attended ONE on Prime 1, the fight didn't go his way but it was entertaining all the same. RIP."

Another user shared his thoughts and prayers with the family of the deceased fighter, saying:

"RIP. Thoughts & well wishes to his family & friends."

One fan pointed out:

"Was a really talented, exciting fighter. Tragic."

Another fan recalled Lapicus submitting Marat Gafurov (video in the section above) in just over a minute and wrote:

"Slick and fun grappler, submitted the likes of Gafurov, RIP he was a very young and talented fighter."