On Thursday, the UFC sent out a solemn announcement that Stephan Bonnar, an honored Hall of Famer with the organization had passed away at 45 years old.
The UFC reported a tragedy: Stephen Bonnar, who is remembered for his intense final fight against Forrest Griffin in the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” back in 2005, passed away due to suspected cardiac complications at work.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” UFC President Dana White stated.
“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, and related to him and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
After his fight with Griffin, Bonnar, who never imagined that he would eventually become a UFC fighter, declared “everything changed” for him.
“Almost overnight, I became like a celebrity. Everywhere I went, someone would recognize me, even in obscure places,” Bonnar stated.
During his illustrious career, the Hoosier fought numerous future Hall of Famers such as Rashad Evans, Mark Coleman, Anderson Silva, and Tito Ortiz.
After achieving a remarkable 15 wins out of 24 fights, Bonnar was honored by being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013.
With a heavy heart, UFC commentator Joe Rogan expressed that “we lost a legend” in his Instagram post, remembering Bonnar and expressing how the beloved fighter will “never be forgotten.”
“RIP to the American Pyscho, Stephan Bonnar. I remember watching him and Anderson Silva,” tweeted Jake Paul, the internet celebrity turned boxer.
Mourning the loss of his UFC colleague, Renato Moicano tweeted a tribute expressing how “sad” it is for the entire UFC community.
“Stephan Bonner a key piece to the growth of our sport,” retired UFC star Frankie Edgar stated. “I remember watching him and Forest battling it out and thinking, I gotta try this out. RIP to a true pioneer!”
