Top MMA contender Iuri Lapicus has died at the age of 27 after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Italy.

According to reports in Milan, Lapicus crashed his motorbike into a vehicle driven by a woman in the city on Friday and was subsequently airlifted to a hospital where he remained in a coma until he passed away on Monday.

Lapicus boasted a 14-2 MMA record and was a former ONE Championship 185lb title challenger.

The Moldovan-born resident of Italy fought former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in 2021 and was originally declared the winner when his opponent was disqualified for landing illegal shots to the back of his head.

However, that fight was ultimately overturned to a no-contest and Lapicus was riding a two-fight losing streak following first-round KO defeats to Christian Lee and Zebaztian Kadestam prior to his death.

“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,” the promotion wrote on social media confirming his passing.

Lapicus is the second young MMA fighter signed to the Asian-based MMA outfit to pass away in recent months following the death of Victoria Lee in December 2022.

The 18-year-old sister of ONE Championship titleholders Christian and Angela died on December 26 according to a social media post made by Angela a few days following.

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