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Tragic Death of Muay Thai Fighter Highlights Dangers of Extreme Weight Cutting
A Muay Thai fighter from Laos, Singfangkhong Petchtawan, lost his life during training while trying to lose weight for a match in the Thai Fight tournament, Thailand’s top Muay Thai competition. The incident has sparked renewed concern about the risks associated with extreme weight cutting in combat sports.
Singfangkhong was preparing for a 56kg bout scheduled for July 25 when he collapsed on July 22 due to anaphylactic shock. He was immediately taken to the hospital but passed away two days later. Medical professionals confirmed that the cause of death was acute kidney failure, which resulted from excessive weight loss.
The tragic incident has drawn attention to the widespread practice of weight cutting in combat sports. According to reports, fighters often use methods such as sweat suits, foil wraps, hot baths, and saunas to rapidly lose weight before competitions. After weigh-ins, they typically rehydrate and return to their normal weight. While these practices are common, they come with serious health risks.
The Hidden Dangers of Weight Cutting
Extreme weight cutting can lead to severe dehydration and thickened blood, which puts significant strain on the kidneys. Experts warn that this process can be more dangerous than the actual fight itself. The practice is considered a “silent battle” that can have life-threatening consequences.
Singfangkhong’s death is not the first of its kind. In 2017, Jordan Coe, a 20-year-old Scottish Muay Thai fighter, died from dehydration while running in hot weather to cut weight. His death highlighted the dangers of pushing the body beyond its limits in pursuit of a lower weight class.
New Safety Measures in Combat Sports
In response to growing concerns, Asia’s leading MMA promotion, ONE Championship, introduced new safety rules to protect fighters. Under these regulations, fighters must weigh in after each bout, with a limit of no more than 5% weight gain above the class limit. This rule aims to prevent large fighters from dangerously cutting weight to compete in lower divisions.
Vietnam’s top MMA tournament, the LION Championship, has also faced similar challenges. At its 22nd event in May, fighter Nguyen Cong Dung missed the weight by 10.3kg, leading to the cancellation of his bout against Pham Duc Thang in the 65kg division. Dung later described how his body went into shock after days of intense weight cutting.
“I experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, and constant stomach cramps while trying to shed the last few kilograms,” Dung said. “I had to stop and rehydrate to stabilize my condition, but that caused my weight to spike again.”
The Need for Greater Awareness
The deaths of fighters like Singfangkhong and Coe serve as grim reminders of the risks involved in extreme weight cutting. While the practice is deeply ingrained in combat sports, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of athletes.
Organizations like ONE Championship and LION Championship are taking steps to address the issue, but broader awareness and stricter regulations are essential. Fighters must be educated about the dangers of extreme weight cutting, and governing bodies should enforce policies that prioritize athlete well-being over competitive advantage.
As the Muay Thai world mourns the loss of Singfangkhong, the incident underscores the urgent need for change. Without meaningful action, more lives could be lost to the same deadly practices.
