Stephan Bonnar cause of death: Professional wrestler and MMA fighter Stephan Patrick Bonnar was an American. For most of his time in the UFC, Bonnar fought in the Light Heavyweight division. Bonnar finished second on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, and his loss against Forrest Griffin in the TUF Ultimate Finale is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal bouts in UFC annals.
Throughout his mixed martial arts career, Bonnar played the “role of the underdog,” a role that was perhaps most pronounced in his match against Anderson Silva at UFC 153. Griffin and Silva weren’t the only world champions Bonnar had to deal with, though; he also had to deal with Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, Jon Jones, and Rashad Evans.
Stephan Bonnar Death
MMA promoter UFC has confirmed the passing of UFC Hall of Famer and MMA icon Stephan Bonnar.
On Saturday, it was announced by the UFC in a press release that… The UFC family is devastated by the news that UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar passed away on Thursday at his workplace from what is being called heart problems. According to rumors, he passed away a few days ago; however, the formal cause of death has yet to be determined.
When asked about SB’s legacy, UFC president Dana White commented, “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important competitors to ever participate in the Octagon.” “The sport will never be the same after his bout with Forrest Griffin. His followers adored him because they could identify with him and because he always gave them his best. No doubt, his absence will be felt.”
The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
— UFC (@ufc) December 24, 2022
Bonnar is a UFC veteran who made it all the way to the show’s finale in 2005, during the show’s inaugural season. Despite losing to Forrest Griffin in a Light Heavyweight bout, he was able to secure a deal with UFC and continue his successful fighting career for many more years.
After his rematch with Griffin, he went on to face other notable competitors like Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Igor Pokrajac, Kyle Kingsbury, Anderson Silva, and many more. His UFC record was 15-9-0 when he retired in 2012. Dana White made the official announcement that Bonnar would be inducted into the HOF the following year.
Bonnar is well-versed in a variety of combat sports, having competed in mixed martial arts as well as wrestling professionally for promotions like Impact Wrestling. After leaving the UFC, he also fought for Bellator MMA.
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Bonnar will be remembered as one of the people that made the UFC what it is today, and as one of the finest renowned fighters in the history of the sport. His wife Andrea and their son Griffin are the only ones who will remember him. He was 45.
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Dana White reacts to Stephan Bonnar’s death
Dana White, president of the UFC, has previously lauded the TUF alum on multiple occasions. White has long pointed to the 2005 fight between Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin as the defining moment in the emergence of UFC. As the UFC legend passed away, he spoke out with a touching tribute.
“Stephan Bonnar was a major figure in the history of mixed martial arts. A legend in the sport, his bout with Forrest Griffin altered the course of competition forever. His devoted following grew in part because he was approachable and connected with them. “He’ll be sorely missed,” White said.
Throughout his decorated UFC career, Stephan Bonnar has been involved in a number of riveting bouts. A number of UFC greats, including Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, and Anderson Silva, have fought alongside him in the octagon.
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Defeating Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, Bonnar has twice competed for the UFC championship. Both times, he attempted to take the belt but was unsuccessful. A total of 10 of “The American Psycho15 “‘s wins were via knockout or submission, giving him an impressive MMA record of 15-9.
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, a well-known figure in mixed martial arts, passed away recently. And now the entire globe mourns Stephan Bonnar’s passing.
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