The MMA community stood together to mourn the loss of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. Prominent MMA fighters, Aljamain Sterling, Charles Oliveira, and Rafael dos Anjos, among many others, paid their respects to the ‘American Psycho’. Bonnar passed away on Thursday due to heart complications at the age of 45. The MMA fighter hung up his gloves back in 2014 after his last professional fight was at Bellator 131. Where he lost against former UFC Light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. But Bonnar cemented his place in the history books of the combat sport for his iconic match-up against Forrest Griffin.
Even UFC Boss, Dana White recollected fond memories of that match, on this melancholic day. Because that fight brought in a huge viewership and rejuvenated the sport of MMA. We lost a true legend too soon.
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The UFC world mourns the loss of Stephan Bonnar
The entire UFC family got together to pay their respects to the champion on the UFC’s official Instagram handle. Although Bonnar never became a title champion of the Light heavyweight division, he left a huge impact on many young MMA enthusiasts.
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And, the current UFC bantamweight class champion, Aljamain ‘Funkmaster’ Sterling, acknowledged his contribution to the sport. He commented, “Jesus. What is going on?! Life is way too short. Smh #RIP”
Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrant also paid his respects to the Hall of Famer and wrote “Damn RIP”
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UFC women’s strawweight contender, Tecia Torres felt distraught about Bonnar’s passing. She commented “RIP”
UFC Bantamweight contender, Kevin Luke ‘Cub’ Swanson commented “Damn RIP”
UFC Light heavyweight fighter, Walker Johnny da Silva Barra Souza, commonly known as Johnny Walker also commented on the post. He believed that his legacy would last forever, in fans’ memory. “another legend leaving but leaving a legacy that cannot be erased”
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Also, Brazilian Former UFC Lightweight champion, Charles ‘do Bronx’ Oliveira da Silva and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Maurício Milani ‘Shogun’ Rua prayed for Stephan Bonnar.
Even former Legacy Fighting Alliance Interim Featherweight Champion Damon Blake Jackson reminisced on one of his favorite fights in the UFC, probably Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin. He wrote ” Man, had one of my favorite fights”
With the utmost sincerity, we mourn the passing of one of the pioneers of the UFC we know today.
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Have you witnessed Bonnar in his prime?