UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar has passed away after a long struggle with heart complications. The former UFC light heavyweight played a significant role in making MMA a global sport with his iconic fight against Forrest Griffin in the Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Finale.
Bonnar was struggling with health issues for over a year now. In 2021, The UFC veteran went through a severe staph infection. Doctors found infected abscesses on both sides of a fractured vertebra. According to multiple reports, Bonnar suffered those injuries during his pro wrestling matches. The UFC legend broke his back and wrist while performing a pro wrestling stunt.
The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger also spent over one month in the hospital battling a staph infection.
“I knew something wasn’t right,” he said. “I knew this shouldn’t be getting this much worse – I feel 10 times worse, and it’s been 10 days later. So yeah, I really wish it didn’t come to that,” Stephan Bonnar said in an interview with MMA fighting.
Stephan Bonnar lost over 36 pounds during his stay in the hospital. He was unable to walk without assistance. The legend also decided to leave his passion, pro wrestling, and stick to a steady job in medical equipment sales after his near-death experience.
Dana White reacts to the death of Stephan Bonnar
UFC president, Dana White, has praised the TUF veteran on many occasions in the past. White has always credited UFC’s rise to the iconic fight between Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin back in 2005. And he came forward with a heartwarming statement following the death of the UFC Hall of Famer.
“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 and related to him, and he always gave them his best. He will be missed,” White stated.
Stephan Bonnar has had many exciting fights in his illustrious UFC career. He has shared the octagon with many UFC legends such as Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, and Anderson Silva.
Bonnar has fought for the UFC title twice against Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. However, he failed to capture the belt on both occasions. “The American Psycho” had an MMA record of 15-9, with 10 of those wins coming from knockouts and submissions.
Recently the MMA community lost Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. And now the world is mourning the death of Stephan Bonnar.