Anthony Durand, a MUAY THAI fighter, has resigned from the sport following the death of his opponent in a fight.
After his fight with Durand, 25-year-old Thai fighter Phanphet Phadungchai died.
Phanphet Phadungchai succumbed to his injuries following being knocked unconscious by Anthony Durand.
Durand has announced his retirement from the sport
In the fifth round of the fight between Phadungchai and Durand, a brutal elbow sent him sprawling onto the ground.
Phadungchai was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the ground.
After suffering a brain hemorhage, the MMA star was immediately rushed by ambulance to Bangkok's hospital. Doctors declared him brain dead.
Phadungchai survived for nine days before succumbing to his illness in a hospital. He then died over the weekend.
Frenchman Durand, who has now announced his retirement from the sport, said he felt "responsible for Phadungchai’s death."
On Facebook, he wrote: "I'm conscious I'm not responsible what's happening. But I can't believe 'It is the risks, at some stage, you must expect it.
"It's quite shocking, he may have taken a lot of punches before that fight."
"I faced him for five round and it was one my last shots... So I feel responsible and no one could take that from my head.
"Even though my messages, calls, or comments are comforting at the moment, it is deeply troubling. It's inexplicable, but it is fate. I don't have the right to protest it.
"I only wish that he is at peace and I promise to his wife and mother to continue contributing financially until they say they no longer need it.
"This was my 28th fight, but it was my last.
"I won't return... I thank everyone who was there since my debut, and I am sorry that I have to say this because some people have made a lot of sacrifices to see me at the top."
WBC Muay Thai, the Muay Thai regulatory body, posted a photo of Padungchai to Facebook and shared their condolences.
According to a statement, "The entire WBC Muay Thai Family sends condolences" to Parnpetch Padungchai's family. He died from injuries sustained in a Muay Thai competition on July 15.
"May he Rest in Peace."
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