Stephan Bonnar, a mixed martial artist who helped bring the UFC to the attention of the general public, has died. He was 45. UFC said that the professional wrestler died at work from what is thought to be heart problems.
After his fight against Forrest Griffin in the last episode of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Bonnar got a lot of praise. In 2013, he was put into the UFC Hall of Fame. Read on to find out more about his life and work.
What was the Cause of Stephan Bonnar’s Death?
The sad news came out in a statement from UFC on Saturday. “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters who ever competed in the Octagon. His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport for good, and he will never be forgotten. Fans liked him because they could relate to him and because he always gave them his best. “He will be missed,” said Dana White, the head of the UFC.
Bonnar was born in Hammond, Indiana, but he lived in Las Vegas for most of his life. In 2005, he first became well-known when he took part in the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” In the last episode, he fought Forrest Griffin, which turned into a bloody fight. Bonnar lost the fight, but he still got a contract with the UFC.
The fight was so well-liked that it led to a new season of The Ultimate Fighter and got a lot of new people interested in fighting. In an interview after the fight, Bonnar talked about how it changed everything. “Everything changed,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d ever fight in the UFC. It was just something I did for fun, but it changed everything.”
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“It seemed like I became famous almost overnight. No matter where I went, someone knew who I was, even in strange places. TapouT and I were on the road in a small town. When I was running, someone in a pickup truck called out, “Hey, Bonnar!” And everyone knows who you are wherever you go. “It was crazy,” he said.
Stephan Bonnar’s Career in the UFC Hall
Bonnar fought seven champions after signing with UFC: Griffin, Ortiz, Lyoto Machida, Silva, Mark Coleman, Evans, and Jon Jones. He also fought Igor Pokrajac, James Irvin, Keith Jardine, Kyle Kingsbury, and Krzysztof Soszynski and beat them all.
In 2014, he fought Tito Ortiz in his last MMA match. He ended his career with a 17-9 record. He then started wrestling professionally and had a few matches with Impact Wrestling in 2019. He also worked as a colour commentator and was on different sports channels as an MMA analyst.
People Are Paying Tribute to the UFC Fighter
Bonnar’s friends are now sad about his death and have taken to social media to talk about it. On Instagram, UFC commentator Joe Rogan paid tribute to the late wrestler by writing, “We lost a real legend. One of the most important people in the rise of MMA has died.
“In 2005, Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin had a fight on Spike TV that was so crazy and fun that it changed the UFC and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts for good. “We will not forget you,” he said.
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Frankie Edgar, a former UFC star, also remembered the fighter and said, “Stephan Bonner was an important part of the growth of our sport. I remember seeing him and Forest fight and thinking, I have to try this. “Rest in peace, a real leader!”
The family and friends of Stephan Bonnar have our deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace!