Rising MMA star dies aged 23 after horrific motorbike crash in Thai tunnel

12 January 2024 , 13:53

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Muay Thai athlete Fariyar Aminipour has tragically died (Image: ViralPress)

Rising MMA star Fariyar Aminipour has been killed after a motorcycle crash Thailand.

The 23-year-old was riding his motorbike through a tunnel at the side of the Chaofa West Road, in Phuket, where he crashed and suffered a major head injury on Thursday morning.

Police have said that officers at the Chalong Police Station were notified of the accident at 8.08am. They arrived at the scene to find the Muay Thai specialist in a pool of blood. Initial investigations suggested that he had lost control of his motorcycle while navigating the curved tunnel.

He was rushed to Chalong Hospital but was pronounced dead due to his injuries. His body has subsequently been taken to the Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiriyaphong Srinuanpan said: "We are checking CCTV cameras and speaking with witnesses to find out how the accident happened.

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“At the moment, we do not believe any other vehicles were involved."

Fariyar's gym, Tiger Muay Thai, wrote a tribute to him online. It read: "It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Fariyar Aminipour.

"Since joining our team in late 2022 with only amateur fighting experience, the extremely talented Fariyar skyrocketed in the professional Muay Thai world, defeating huge names of the sport on ONE Lumpinee events and becoming a top 10 ranked fighter.

The Iranian was understood to be on holiday in Thailand (ViralPress)

Aminipour had won his last four fights (ViralPress)

"At only 23 years old, lion-hearted Fariyar had already accomplished so much, and was well on track to achieving his dream of becoming a ONE world champion.

"Gone far, far too soon due to a tragic accident, Fariyar will be missed greatly and will remain in all of our thoughts."

Aminipour had fought five matches in the ONE Championship, winning his first four fights. His only defeat came in his final bout on December 2, against Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek UThai at ONE Friday Fights 46.

Alex Richards