Joe Rogan: “RIP to One of the Most Important Figures in the Explosion of MMA”

It is not just the UFC family, the entire combat sports community has struck the ocean of grief. UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar, left the world on December 22, 2022, at the age of 45. Although Bonnar fought stars like Tito Ortez and Mark Coleman, his fight against Forrest Griffin in The Ultimate Fighter 1, 2005, was what made him stand in the UFC Hall of Fame. The fight included everything that a UFC fan ever wishes for. Without a doubt, when Joe Rogan paid his tributes to the star, he didn’t fail to mention the bout.

Although the matchup against Griffin in the finale resulted in a unanimous decision loss, it became one of the bouts that made ‘The American Psycho’ immortal. However, a fire cannot burn indefinitely, and all must turn to dust, eventually.

Joe Rogan pays his tribute

UFC took to social media to disclose the heartbreaking news of Bonnar’s passing. UFC wrote, “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.”

The fighter presumably succumbed to cardiac complications while he was at work. Nonetheless, the host of JRE didn’t fail to show his respect for the fighter and remembered the epic moments that gave a boost to the organization and the sport of MMA.

The UFC commentator was quick to follow and pay his tributes to ‘The American Psycho’. Rogan wrote, “We lost a real legend. RIP to one of the most important figures in the explosion of MMA. Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin engaged in a battle on Spike TV in 2005 that was so wild, and so entertaining that it changed the course of the UFC and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts forever. You will not be forgotten.” 

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Without a doubt, the fight was one of the matches that lifted UFC to greater levels, with fans glued to the television like magnets to iron. No wonder, the passing of the legend brought in a wave of sorrow throughout the world.

Stephan Bonnar’s career in MMA

‘The American Psycho’ mostly competed in the light heavyweight category. He had several arrows in his quiver which included wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai. However, most of the fame he amassed came from the Octagon. 

The UFC Hall of Famer fought with giants during his tenure in the UFC. The names include Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Tito Ortez and many more. UFC president Dana White announced that Bonnar retired from UFC, after his loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 153. Bonnar stacked up a record of 15-9. 

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The loss of Bonnar indeed hit really hard on the fans. But the memories that he created for the fans would keep him alive in every single beating heart. What is your favorite Stephan Bonnar moment? Let us know in the comments below.