UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Dead at 45

Stephan Bonnar — a UFC Hall of Famer and legend in MMA — has died … this in accordance with the MMA promotion itself.

The UFC broke the information Saturday, writing … “The UFC family is saddened by the tragic passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Thursday from presumed heart complications while at work.” Per experiences, he apparently died a pair days in the past … an official trigger of demise is pending.

UFC goes on to say SB’s storied profession, including … “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” stated UFC President Dana White. “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.”

Bonnar was an OG in UFC … competing within the very first season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ again in 2005 … an look which noticed him go all the best way to the finale. Although he misplaced his Light Heavyweight battle in opposition to Forrest Griffin … his bout ended up incomes him a contract with UFC, the place he went on to compete at a excessive degree for a number of years.

He fought Griffin once more in a rematch, and went on to battle some massive names within the sport thereafter … together with Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Igor Pokrajac, Kyle Kingsbury, Anderson Silva and others. His file with UFC was 15-9-0 … and in 2012, he retired. The following 12 months, Dana White introduced Bonnar could be inducted into the HOF.

In addition to MMA combating, Bonnar additionally wrestled professionally … together with for leagues like Impact Wrestling. He additionally fought with Bellator MMA post-UFC.

Bonnar’s legacy will probably be that he was one of the catalysts to assist UFC develop into what it’s as we speak … and he goes down as one of the game’s best recognized fighters to this point. He’s survived by his spouse, Andrea, and their son Griffin. He was 45.