The MMA world suffers a blow as Philippines MMA veteran Andrew Benibe passes away.
MMA journalist Nissi Icasiano announced the news on Facebook: “Sad news for the Philippine MMA industry: Andrew Benibe, a former URCC bantamweight champion and a respected figure in the local fight scene, has passed away,” Icasiano wrote in his post. “Benibe also saw action on the international stage, having competed under the ONE Championship banner.”
The one-time bantamweight champion had a full career spent mostly competing in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC). The URCC is a Manila-based promotion that has had a massive impact in the Philippines and Asia. Although Benibe spent most of his time battling at the URCC, Benibe was soon picked to fight under the ONE Championship banner way back in 2012. Unfortunately, he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Filipino MMA trailblazer Honorio Banario during his debut.
While ONE did not invite him back after the loss, he continued to fight. By the time of his tragic passing, he had battled multiple MMA notables. That includes ONE veterans Honorio Banario and Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju. It also includes UFC veterans Mark Eddiva, Mark Striegl, and Will Chope.
We at Afrocombat send our condolences to Benibe’s family and loved ones.
