“We All Remember Him”- Jon Jones Honors Late Ex-UFC Champ With Heartfelt Tribute 15 Years After His Tragic Death

Fifteen years have passed since the MMA world mourned the loss of former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner. On September 5, 2008, Tanner’s life was tragically cut short at 37 during a camping trip in the Palo Verde mountain ranges. Known for his fighting prowess and free-spirited personality, Tanner left an indelible mark on mixed martial arts.

Now, 15 years after his passing, another UFC legend has spotlighted the late middleweight champ. This time, it’s UFC’s #1 P4P fighter, Jon Jones, who has paid his homage to Tanner. The reigning UFC heavyweight champ’s heartfelt message for the late champ has rekindled discussion about the late champion.

Jon Jones dedicates a heartfelt message to late UFC legend

Jon Jones took to his Instagram handle to share an inside scoop of his training and therapy session with Alan Belcher. For those of you who don’t know – Belcher is the current Bare Knuckle Boxing Heavyweight World champ. It seems like the duo have developed a deep bond after pictures of their training session sparked a frenzy on social media.

However, it was Jones’ Instagram story that caught the eye of fans. While Belcher was enjoying a post-training therapy session, Jones noted a Tanner tattoo on the BKFC star’s calf. This took Jones down the memory lane – as he expressed a heartfelt remark over the late UFC legend. Extending a ‘shout-out’ to Tanner, ‘Bones’ poignantly added – “Shout-out to the old school UFC hard-a** Evan Tanner. Symbolic of his last trip out to the desert. Salute to my homeboy for representing the OG champ. We all remember him!”

Moreover, the mention of Tanner’s last trip to the desert is symbolic, as it alludes to the circumstances of Tanner’s tragic passing during his camping trip. By acknowledging this aspect, Jones pays homage to the adventurous spirit and free-spirited nature that defined Tanner outside the cage.

Remembering the UFC Legend Evan Tanner

Tanner’s crowning moment came in 2005 when he clinched the UFC middleweight championship by defeating David Terrell in the first round at UFC 51. This achievement solidified his status as a fighter of great caliber. Before his MMA career, Tanner worked diverse jobs, from a bouncer to a dishwasher, showcasing his tenacity and adaptability. His journey to the world of fighting was unconventional but spoke to his unwavering determination.

Over the span of 11 years, Tanner engaged in a remarkable 42 professional fights, displaying his willingness to face a variety of opponents. Among his victories are names like Paul Buentello, Heath Herring, and Robbie Lawler, illustrating his versatility across weight classes. In his initial title defense, Tanner surrendered the belt to Rich Franklin after just four months. Nevertheless, he retained his fanbase, reciprocating their loyalty in person and through his online blogs.

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His comeback to the UFC in 2008, following an absence of nearly two years, symbolized a victory for the human spirit, serving as a profound inspiration. The significance of the fight’s outcome paled in comparison to the indomitable spirit he embodied.

In essence, Jon Jones’s message for Evan Tanner is a touching tribute that not only remembers a fallen hero but also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and respect that binds fighters past and present. What do you think of this heartfelt tribute to the UFC legend by ‘Bones’? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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