2022 is ending on a rather sad note for the UFC community. The beloved UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar passed away on Thursday, due to some presumed heart complications. This news has devastated the UFC family beyond measures and following the saddening loss, the UFC president Dana White has expressed his sorrow in remembering the Bonnar. Upon mourning the passing of the UFC pioneer, White talked about the fight that served as the pivotal moment for the UFC. Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin. Furthermore, Dana White also regarded Bonnar to be an integral part of the promotion, who will always be remembered for his contribution to the sport.
Dana White mourns the passing of Stephan Bonnar
UFC shared the saddening news of Stephan Bonnar‘s passing on their official website and mentioned Dana White‘s statement about this tragic loss. The UFC president commended Bonnar for being a tremendous competitor and noted how pivotal he was in altering the UFC’s direction for the better.
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Dana White stated, “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.”
Stephan Bonnar, popularly known by the moniker “The American Psycho,” was acclaimed by the UFC community for the brilliance and tenacity he showed as a fighter. His fight with Forrest Griffin served as a turning point for the UFC when the promotion caught a slack. Although Bonnar fell short against Griffin, the fight became a generational trivia and was hailed as the greatest fight ever, not just in the UFC, but in all the mixed martial arts.
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The TUF 1 veteran held a record of 15-9-0 over the course of his 9 year tenure in the UFC. He further transitioned into Bellator in 2014 and fought Tito Ortiz and lost the bout via a split decision. That served as the final bout of Bonnar‘s career.
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In 2021, “The American Psycho” suffered from a severe staph infection, which weakened him to the core. However, Bonnar prevailed from. But unfortunately, life caught up to him soon after. The UFC has lost one of the most iconic fighters that ever competed in the promotion and will always remember the name in good memories.
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