Singfangkhong was in the final stages of his weight cut, preparing for a 56kg bout at Thai Fight, a premier Muay Thai event in Thailand, on 25/7. However, he collapsed due to anaphylactic shock.

According to the Thai newspaper Sanook, the Laotian fighter was rushed to the hospital but passed away after two days of treatment. Doctors determined the cause of death was acute kidney failure due to excessive weight loss.

Fighter Singfangkhong Petchtawan passed away on 23/7 during a weight cut. Photo: Khaosod

Fighter Singfangkhong Petchtawan passed away on 23/7 during a weight cut. Photo: Khaosod

"Singfangkhong's tragic story is something the Muay Thai community should never ignore," an article on Hero Muay Thai stated. "He didn't lose in the ring, but he lost his life because of weight cutting."

Weight cutting is common in combat sports. After reaching a certain weight threshold, fighters employ dehydration methods, such as wearing sauna suits during training, wrapping themselves in foil or canvas while resting, and soaking in hot water. They then rehydrate after the official weigh-in, often regaining significant weight before the fight. This practice is generally accepted by fighting organizations.

However, extreme weight loss causes severe dehydration, thickening the blood and putting immense strain on the kidneys. This is a silent battle many fighters choose, often more dangerous than the fight itself.

Medics attend to Singfangkhong at a training facility in Thailand on 22/7.

This issue exists in many combat sports worldwide. Before Singfangkhong, other fighters have died from similar causes. In 2017, Scottish Muay Thai fighter Jordan Coe died at the age of 20 from severe dehydration while running in hot weather to lose weight.

ONE Championship, Asia's largest mixed martial arts organization, implemented new weight regulations. Each fighter must weigh in again after each bout, with their body weight not exceeding 5% of their weight class limit.

This rule aims to prevent naturally larger fighters from cutting excessive weight to compete in lower weight classes. They might make weight on the official weigh-in day, the day before the fight, but could return to their normal weight by fight day, creating an unfair and unsafe advantage.

LION Championship, Vietnam’s top mixed martial arts organization, also encountered a similar situation at its 22nd event in May. Fighter Nguyen Cong Dung was 10.3 kg overweight, leading to the cancellation of his 65kg match against Pham Duc Thang.

The Hanoi-based fighter explained that he suffered anaphylactic shock after several days of cutting weight. "During the final weight-cutting exercises, my body reacted violently with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and continuous stomach pain," Dung said. "I had to stop cutting weight and rehydrate and eat to stabilize my health. However, my weight increased again and went beyond control."

Trung Thu