Stephan Bonnar — a UFC Hall of Famer and legend in MMA — has died … this in keeping with the MMA promotion itself.
The UFC broke the information Saturday, writing … “The UFC household is saddened by the tragic passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Thursday from presumed coronary heart issues whereas at work.” Per reviews, he apparently died a pair days in the past … an official reason for loss of life is pending.
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UFC goes on to say SB’s storied profession, including … “Stephan Bonnar was some of the necessary fighters to ever compete within the Octagon,” stated UFC President Dana White. “His battle with Forrest Griffin modified the game without end, and he won’t ever be forgotten. The followers beloved him, associated to him and he all the time gave them his greatest. He will probably be missed.”
Bonnar was an OG in UFC … competing within the very first season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ again in 2005 … an look which noticed him go all the way in which to the finale. Although he misplaced his Light Heavyweight battle 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 stage for a number of years.
He fought Griffin once more in a rematch, and went on to battle some huge names within the sport thereafter … together with Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Igor Pokrajac, Kyle Kingsbury, Anderson Silva and others. His document with UFC was 15-9-0 … and in 2012, he retired. The following yr, Dana White introduced Bonnar can be inducted into the HOF.
In addition to MMA combating, Bonnar additionally wrestled professionally … together with for leagues like Impact 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 at this time … and he goes down as one of many sport’s best identified fighters up to now. He’s survived by his spouse, Andrea, and their son Griffin. He was 45.
RIP