Muay Thai fighter dies from extreme weight cut

Singfangkhong was preparing for a 56kg match scheduled for July 25 when he collapsed due to anaphylactic shock on July 22.

According to Thai outlet Sanook, he was rushed to hospital but passed away two days later. Doctors confirmed the cause of death was acute kidney failure resulting from excessive weight loss.

"Singfangkhong’s tragic story is something the Muay Thai world must not overlook," Hero Muay Thai reported. "He didn’t lose in the ring, but to weight cutting."

Weight cutting is common in combat sports, where fighters often dehydrate themselves using sweat suits, foil wraps, hot baths or saunas to make weight. After weigh-ins, they typically rehydrate and return to their normal weight. Despite health concerns, these practices are still widely accepted in many competitions.

Extreme weight cut poses dangerous risks to fighters. Illustration photo by Pexels

However, extreme weight cutting can cause severe dehydration and thickened blood, putting excessive strain on the kidneys. Experts consider it a silent, dangerous battle, sometimes even more harmful than the fights themselves.

Singfangkhong’s death is not the first linked to drastic weight loss. In 2017, Scottish Muay Thai fighter Jordan Coe died at age 20 from dehydration while running in hot weather to cut weight.

To combat these risks, Asia’s leading MMA promotion, ONE Championship, introduced new safety rules. Fighters must now weigh in after each bout, with weight gain limited to no more than 5% above the class limit to discourage large fighters from dangerously cutting weight to fight in lower divisions.

Vietnam’s top MMA tournament, the LION Championship, has also faced similar issues. At its 22nd event in May, fighter Nguyen Cong Dung missed weight by 10.3kg, leading to the cancellation of his bout against Pham Duc Thang in the 65kg division.

Dung later said that his body went into shock after days of weight cutting.

"While trying to shed the last few kilograms, I experienced chest pain, shortness of breath and constant stomach cramps," he said. "I had to stop and rehydrate to stabilize my condition, but that caused my weight to spike again."