Bonnar participated in a total of 24 professional fights during his MMA career, winning 15 of them. For several years, he was a member of the UFC, the world’s largest MMA organization, and faced superstars such as Jon Jones and Anderson Silva.
He is probably best remembered by MMA fans for his legendary fight against Forrest Griffin in April 2005. It was the finale of the very first season of the reality show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ – the series followed aspiring MMA fighters on their quest for a UFC contract, and introduced the sport of MMA in general, and the UFC in particular, to the wider United States audience.
Subsequently, the organization flourished and started to become positive financially. When the UFC was sold in 2016, the price tag was around SEK 34 billion.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon. His fight with Forrest Griffin (2005 and 2006) changed the sport forever and will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, they bonded with he and he always gave them his best. He will be missed,” writes UFC president Dana White in a press release.
“Changed my life forever”
The profile is now provided by the MMA world.
“Really crushing. So very sad. My thoughts go out to his family,” tweeted former UFC champion Michael Bisping.
“Rest in peace, the legendary Stephan Bonnar. What a sad year for the MMA family,” writes Renato Moicano.
“I want to express my condolences to the family of Stephan Bonnar. His fight against Forrest Griffin changed the entire landscape of the sport of MMA and took it to the next level. It is a big reason we are here today,” writes Michael Chiesa .
“Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin was the first MMA fight I’ve ever seen and it changed my life forever. I am devastated to hear of Stephan’s death. Another one who left us too soon,” writes Megan Anderson.
Bonnar’s last fight in his career was a loss to Tito Ortiz in the Bellator organization in 2014. Twice during his career, the American tested positive for doping and was suspended.
The death comes just over a month after the death of another MMA star. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson died, aged 38, in November.
MORE MMA: Former UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died – aged just 38 (November 14, 2022)
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