UFC Corridor of Famer Stephan Bonnar has died on the age of 45.
The UFC confirmed the heartbreaking information on social media, leaving fighters and followers throughout the MMA group shattered.
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“The UFC household is saddened by the passing of UFC Corridor of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We ship our sincerest condolences to his household and pals,” the UFC tweeted.
Bonnar was a finalist on the primary ever season of The Final Fighter and was credited by UFC boss Dana White as saving the promotion when he and Forest Griffin stood toe-to-toe and unleashed on the finish of a hellacious battle throughout the season finale.
No official reason for loss of life has been launched.
Bonnar and Griffin had been inducted into the Corridor of Fame in 2013 with White saying throughout the ceremony: “There has by no means been a extra necessary battle within the historical past of the UFC.”
Tributes got here pouring in from throughout the UFC because the information rocked each fighter and fan.
UFC legend Michael Bisping wrote: “Heard about this early this morning. Actually a heartbreaking loss. So very unhappy. Ideas are together with his household.”
Present UFC fighter Kyle Nelson wrote: “The primary time I ever heard of combined martial arts was once I was 14 and noticed the primary final fighter. That began the dream that led me to the place I’m immediately. The finale between Stephan and Forrest saved the UFC from going beneath. R.I.P.”
UFC analyst Megan Anderson wrote: “Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin was the primary mma battle I ever watched, and it utterly modified my life. It’s so extremely heartbreaking to listen to the information of Stephan’s passing. One other one gone too quickly. My ideas are together with his household throughout this time.”
