UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar died Thursday, Dec. 22, of suspected heart complications at work, according to the UFC.
“The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the UFC said on Instagram.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters of all time in the Octagon,” UFC president Dana White said in a statement. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, related to him and he always gave them the best of himself. He will be missed.”
RELATED: Deaths in Hollywood and Media in 2022: Photo Gallery
Bonnar helped bring UFC to the mainstream when in the first season of The ultimate warrior in 2005. It was his fight against Forrest Griffin that had fans glued to the television screens in one of the greatest fights of all time.
“I knew throughout the fight it was a good fight,” Bonnar said of his fight against Griffin. “It hit me when everyone started stamping their feet and it felt like the whole room was shaking. And that in the second round. I was like, ‘Oooh, this has to be good.’
Bonnar is originally from Indiana, where he started wrestling at age 10. He started Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12 and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 22. He started boxing at the age of 24.
During his career with the UFC, he competed against other MMA stars such as Tito Ortiz, Anderson Silva, Rashad Evans, Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Mark Coleman.
Writer: Armando Tinico
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
