Stephan Bonnar — a UFC Corridor of Famer and legend in MMA — has died … this in line with the MMA promotion itself.
The UFC broke the information Saturday, writing … “The UFC household is saddened by the tragic passing of UFC Corridor of Famer Stephan Bonnar Thursday from presumed coronary heart issues whereas at work.” Per experiences, he apparently died a pair days in the past … an official explanation for loss of life is pending.
Ready to your permission to load the Instagram Media.
UFC goes on to say SB’s storied profession, including … “Stephan Bonnar was one of the vital necessary fighters to ever compete within the Octagon,” stated UFC President Dana White. “His struggle with Forrest Griffin modified the game eternally, and he won’t ever be forgotten. The followers cherished him, associated to him and he all the time gave them his finest. He will probably be missed.”
Bonnar was an OG in UFC … competing within the very first season of ‘The Final Fighter’ again in 2005 … an look which noticed him go all the best way to the finale. Though he misplaced his Mild Heavyweight struggle in opposition to Forrest Griffin … his bout ended up incomes him a contract with UFC, the place he went on to compete at a excessive degree for a number of years.
He fought Griffin once more in a rematch, and went on to struggle some massive names within the sport thereafter … together with Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Igor Pokrajac, Kyle Kingsbury, Anderson Silva and others. His report with UFC was 15-9-0 … and in 2012, he retired. The next yr, Dana White introduced Bonnar can be inducted into the HOF.
Along with MMA combating, Bonnar additionally wrestled professionally … together with for leagues like Affect Wrestling. He additionally fought with Bellator MMA post-UFC.
Bonnar’s legacy will probably be that he was one of many catalysts to assist UFC develop into what it’s right this moment … and he goes down as one of many sport’s best recognized fighters so far. He is survived by his spouse, Andrea, and their son Griffin. He was 45.
RIP
