UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Dead at 45

Stephan Bonnar — a UFC Corridor 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 Corridor 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 behind dying is pending.

UFC goes on to say SB’s storied profession, including … “Stephan Bonnar was some of the necessary fighters to ever compete within the Octagon,” mentioned UFC President Dana White. “His battle with Forrest Griffin modified the game eternally, and he won’t ever be forgotten. The followers cherished him, associated to him and he at all times gave them his finest. He might 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 way in which to the finale. Though he misplaced his Gentle Heavyweight battle towards 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 next 12 months, Dana White introduced Bonnar can be inducted into the HOF.

Along with MMA combating, Bonnar additionally wrestled professionally … together with for leagues like Impression Wrestling. He additionally fought with Bellator MMA post-UFC.

Bonnar’s legacy might be that he was one of many catalysts to assist UFC develop into what it’s as we speak … and he goes down as one of many sport’s biggest identified fighters up to now. He is survived by his spouse, Andrea, and their son Griffin. He was 45.