Tragedy strikes the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) once again, as The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veteran Stephan Bonnar passes away at the very young age of 45. Bonnar passed away due to a heart complication while he was at his job. MMA personalities like Dana White, Michael Bisping, and other reacted to the incident.
Bonnar was instrumental in turning around the UFC’s fortunes along with Forrest Griffin. Their fight in The Ultimate Fighter season finale in 2005 will go down as one of the most entertaining contests in the history of the UFC. At the time, the company was struggling with ratings and there were concerns regarding its future. However, the inaugural TUF season and the light heavyweight fight put the UFC on the map for many fans.
The bout was so good that it made Dana offer a contract to both fighters despite Bonnar losing it on the judges’ cards. Bonnar finished his MMA career with a record of 15-9. In his 15 fights in the UFC, Stephan won 8 and lost 7. He has fought the likes of Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, and Rashad Evans. The American Psycho left the UFC in 2012, following his loss to Silva at UFC 153.
In 2013, Stephan Bonnar was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, as a part of his first fight in 2005 against Forrest Griffin. The very last fight of his career was against Tito Ortiz in 2014 at Bellator. He also had stints with various pro wrestling companies like Impact, NJPW, and IWS.
Dana White and the UFC community reacts to the passing of Stephan Bonnar
UFC President Dana White was the first person to react to the tragic news. Dana always expressed that he would always have a soft corner for the fighters who competed in the very first season of The Ultimate Fighter. It is understandable, as the season finale fight between Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin was dubbed the bout that saved the UFC.
Dana was incredibly sad to hear the story and issued a statement via the UFC. Dana added, “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon… 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 his best. He will be missed.”
Bonnar was married to his girlfriend Andrea and had a son by the name of Griffin Brandon. After his untimely passing, UFC fighters and stars issued statements and offered their condolences to the Bonnar family.
Here are some reactions to Bonnar’s passing
Bonnar/Griffin changed the UFC forever! If you knew @StephanBonnar it was impossible not to love him, a loyal friend with a great sense of humor who once took over an entire floor of our hotel in Australia preparing his own kangaroo meal! RIP American Psycho, gone way too young! pic.twitter.com/KMPEADC1ZX
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) December 25, 2022
The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
— UFC (@ufc) December 24, 2022
Stephan Bonnar, you were one of the toughest & funniest guys I’ve ever met. You passed way too soon but accomplished so much in a short amount of time. You helped change this sport forever, inspired a whole generation of fighters & your impact will always be remembered. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LyYA5FzRmG
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 25, 2022
Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin was the first mma fight I ever watched, and it completely changed my life.
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) December 24, 2022
It is so incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Stephan’s passing. Another one gone too soon. My thoughts are with his family during this time 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1wa2oz1s6H
Horrible news. Not hyperbole to state that without Stephan Bonnar’s contributions on TUF 1 (and the finale) the sport isn’t what it is today. He will forever be an extremely important part of MMA history.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 24, 2022
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/32e0wIr3fj
My condolences go out to Stephan Bonnar’s family. His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the landscape of the sport of MMA and pushed it to the next level. He’s a big part of the reason we are here today. https://t.co/NtGaVAN96M
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 24, 2022
Heard about this early this morning. Truly a heartbreaking loss. So very sad. Thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/jXZLNKQBbf
— michael (@bisping) December 24, 2022
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/wjyMf4z4T9
— Lando Vannata (@GroovyLando) December 24, 2022
Very sad to hear about the passing of @StephanBonnar His fight with @ForrestGriffin helped jumpstart the @ufc into the mega promotion you see today. RIP Stephan. Your time here was way too short
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) December 24, 2022
Rest In Peace to the man who helped keep the sport alive! Prayers up for your friends, and family! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/07XsCvUIn5
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) December 24, 2022
As all MMA fans know, Stephan was a pioneer in the sport. But he was also SO kind and fun to work with. Whenever we would see him, even after his fight career, he still lit up the room. Prayers for him & his loved ones at this difficult time. https://t.co/dMSUuBczdt
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) December 24, 2022
Unreal That I’ve lost another friend this year
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) December 25, 2022
You will be missed brother #rip pic.twitter.com/SohdDTINts
😔 all these legends passing away.. rip 🙏🏽 https://t.co/2Bg1GVXZIa
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) December 25, 2022
Rest in peace to a pioneer of the sport🙏🏼❤️ https://t.co/Q6LSU12ddw
— Calvin Kattar (@CalvinKattar) December 25, 2022
Crushed. 💔 https://t.co/XtN1ynoqHp
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) December 25, 2022
Very sad news to see this evening. @StephanBonnar was always a class act whenever I got a chance to talk to him. Loved talking wrestling and MMA with him. https://t.co/ULyhYZPSYB
— Josh Mathews (@realjoshmathews) December 24, 2022
RIP💔
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) December 25, 2022
Legends never die https://t.co/yxjgLor0zr
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you have a favorite Stephan Bonnar fight? Let us know in the comments down below.