Stephan Bonnar, UFC Hall of Famer and Veteran Fighter, Dies at Age 45
The UFC has announced the death of ufc, a veteran fighter and UFC Hall of Famer, at the age of 45. The official cause of Bonnar’s death is pending, but the UFC stated that it was due to “presumed heart complications.”
Dana White:
Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon.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 rose to fame as a cast member of the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter,” and his fight with Forrest Griffin drew a significant increase in viewership for the UFC’s broadcaster, Spike. Despite losing the fight, Bonnar was awarded a UFC contract by President Dana White, who credited the bout for saving the promotion at a time when it was struggling financially.
Bonnar and Griffin were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013 for their iconic fight. Bonnar had a nine-year career in the UFC, during which he faced several former and future champions. After retiring from the UFC, Bonnar returned to the ring in 2014 for a single fight with Tito Ortiz under the Bellator banner, before transitioning to professional wrestling.
Bonnar had recently faced a series of personal challenges, including the loss of his Las Vegas home in a fire and a severe injury while pro wrestling.
