The MMA World Mourns UFC Veteran “Rumble” Johnson – Cause of Death Revealed
Former title contender and UFC veteran Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has died at the age of 38.
It was confirmed that the cause of his tragic death was organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH is a rare immune system disorder that usually occurs in infants and young children but may also occur in adults. NHL is an umbrella term for cancer of the lymphatic system. The cause of death was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Johnson’s passing quickly created ripples in the MMA world. “Rumble” Johnson was a household name who spent most of his career in the UFC, competing in the welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Johnson found the most success in the light heavyweight division where he fought for the title on two occasions, both times against Daniel Cormier.
“Rumble” Johnson lost both title bouts via submission and retired from the sport after his second loss to Cormier in April 2017. However, he made a comeback to the cage, this time in Bellator where he entered the organization’s light heavyweight tournament. Johnson made his Bellator debut in May 2021 when he defeated José Augusto Azevedo with a knockout.
“Rumble” Johnson pulled out of the tournament due to illness, and his Bellator match would ultimately be the last of a long and star-studded career.
“Without getting too much into his health, he needs to focus on being healthy first,” Bellator CEO Scott Coker said after Johnson pulled out of the tournament. “He must heal and recover first, because there is so much more to life than just fighting. I want him to have a long, healthy life and that’s the most important thing.”
That Johnson would end his career with a knockout was fitting, as he was well-known and feared for his power. Despite his devastating power, Johnson was a beloved fighter, known for his kindness and good humor.
Daniel Cormier posted a touching tribute on Twitter:
“Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news.”
Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 13, 2022
Take a closer look at the reactions and tributes following Anthony “Rumble” Johnson’s passing below.
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The MMA World Mourns UFC Veteran Anthony “Rumble” Johnson
🙏 It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.
The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/TqZzN1wquY
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 13, 2022
Former UFC fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has died at the age of 38. pic.twitter.com/eZYBZ8x2lv
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 13, 2022
Horrible news:
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away today. He was 38 years old.
Johnson had been battling an illness for quite some time.
One of the hardest hitters and most talented fighters in MMA history. Gone way too soon.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/t5mVvRaNih
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 13, 2022
I am so sad to hear about this news. One of the most scary & tough opponents that I had ever faced and one of the nicest and most humble humans I have ever met. My heart is broken. My condolences to his family. RIP #rumblesquad pic.twitter.com/J527ToOtOO
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) November 13, 2022
Utterly shocked and saddened by this. RIP. Sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones. https://t.co/y9PGfRa9JI
— michael (@bisping) November 13, 2022
RIP Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/TYAu2wxn2u
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) November 13, 2022
RIP Rumble 😢💔 https://t.co/TdxI6kS2Gh
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) November 13, 2022
Always worked to be a better man. Life can be short . Never forget to enjoy and appreciate! RIP @Anthony_Rumble !#RUMBLEsquad 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/JbdR855nQr
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 13, 2022
Life is never fair … gone way to soon. I’m going to miss you brother. ❤️🙏🏽
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) November 13, 2022
I discovered one of the greatest talents in MMA history outta LA hitting mitts at a small hole in a wall Chute Box gym. I asked him to train with me as I was getting ready for my upcoming fight. He was bigger, he was stronger and he respected that I had a fight coming up.. pic.twitter.com/y3qpqbd9Rb
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) November 13, 2022
Man this is heartbreaking 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/8aoEyToKFP
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) November 13, 2022
💔
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) November 13, 2022
Rumble Johnson passed away 🥲 the MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family 🙏🏾
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) November 13, 2022
Brutal news
— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) November 13, 2022
❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/nqJEF4CaiQ
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) November 13, 2022
RIP 🙏🏻 https://t.co/Fojwm55bNS
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) November 13, 2022
Heart breaking to learn of the tragic news that Anthony Rumble Johnson has passed away. I have a poster of him by my desk looking powerful. My thoughtS and prayers are with his family and friends 🙏🏼 RIP
— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) November 13, 2022
Crushed and devastated to learn that @Anthony_Rumble has passed away. AJ was one of the good guys, he was a great man with a huge heart. God Bless you AJ, I will miss you my brother. RIP Rumble
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) November 13, 2022
💔💔💔😭😭😭 RIP @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH6YqXNJAL
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) November 13, 2022
💔 R.I.P Anthony Johnson 💔🙏🏾😭 pic.twitter.com/lgu4kJnlqo
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) November 13, 2022
Rest in peace Rumble Johnson 🙏❤️ https://t.co/6xmrtg0ZUu
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) November 13, 2022
RIP Anthony Johnson. So sad 😢 pic.twitter.com/XPicS2jlkn
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 13, 2022
Incredibly saddened by the news. Rumble, you were one of the coolest and most realest human I’ve ever met. You gave me so much invaluable advice throughout my career and I can’t believe you’re gone. 💔
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) November 13, 2022
Absolutely heartbreaking
MMA lost a great one https://t.co/bPrxOGQu1Q— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) November 13, 2022
Can’t believe this. Condolences, love , and thoughts go out to his family. Such a great guy. He will be missed. https://t.co/aV75u6gGUu
— Gray Maynard (@GrayMaynard) November 13, 2022
Same, I’m absolutely gutted right now. 😞 https://t.co/MJUAvTh4Rp
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) November 13, 2022
I absolutely loved Rumble Johnson and am devastated to hear of his passing. I will never forget him. https://t.co/mcC4eoyP5f
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) November 13, 2022
Heartbreaking to hear 🥺 gone too soon.. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/fqfzF3Uk8k
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) November 13, 2022
I recovered and now my heart is broken because you won’t be back 💔 pic.twitter.com/Iq0u9q1rCX
— Peoples Champ (@YoelRomeroMMA) November 13, 2022
Gone to soon.
Rumble used be a nightmare for everyone at Light Heavy Weight.
Rest in peace.#rumbleyoungmanrumble https://t.co/ONtsuwMpQ7
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) November 13, 2022
I remember jumping out my seat when this happened.. damn.. sucks. https://t.co/cSgIDrNEgx
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) November 13, 2022
Very sad day for all of us the MMA community, Great guy, one of the most dangerous fighter of history, Rest in Peace Champ 🙏🏾😞 pic.twitter.com/TImFpJcVrF
— Thiago “Marreta” Santos (@TMarretaMMA) November 13, 2022
Saddened beyond words! @Anthony_Rumble was a man I was blessed to call my friend, 38, just devastating RIP Comrade! pic.twitter.com/i5FqKFVfp2
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) November 13, 2022
Sorry to hear one of the coolest guys on the planet just passed away. Thx for all the great fights and many more laughs. Sending prayers to the Rumble family. I'm sorry for y'all loss. pic.twitter.com/BDcd6scnwE
— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) November 13, 2022
Just saw Anthony Johnson has passed away, what an absolute gentleman, had the pleasure of being in the red corner all week at UFC Sweden with him, serious craic, Funny guy taken way too soon..
R.I.P my friend. pic.twitter.com/Y8ai4kNmur
— Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) November 13, 2022
Anthony always treated me with so much kindness and respect. RIP Rumble 🕊 https://t.co/CQr4XcKY59
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) November 13, 2022
Honestly I am holding in my tears, but I am sure they will flow when I least expect it. You were like a superhero to me when I first came around the blackzilians in 2016. You just told me you would make it through this 💔💔 . We will miss you @Anthony_Rumble 🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/wXeD6NrkMQ
— Anatomy of a Fighter (@WillHarrisAOAF) November 13, 2022
today sucks pic.twitter.com/zaivioavmA
— Ryan Loco (@RyanLoco) November 13, 2022
