UFC announced the death of former fighter Stephan Bonnar on Saturday. The Hall of Famer was struggling with different physical complications and died at only 45, the exact reason for his death is yet to be disclosed with a possibility of a suspected heart complication.
The Light-heavyweight was already struggling with drug addiction for a long while. He previously suffered from a serious Staph Infection where one fractured vertebra had infected abscesses on both sides. During a pro wrestling move, the veteran broke both his back and wrist.
The fighter had to retire after a failed drug test and since then recurring reports of drug addiction kept appearing against him. Adding to the suffering, his house burned down back in April of 2022. Bonnar also sued the makers of ‘Real Water’, Alkaline after a liver failure.
Before this tragedy occurred, Stephan was one of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport. His bout against Forest Griffin in 2005 is recognized by many as one of UFCs greatest fights. He also fought against legends like Tito Ortiz, Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, and Lyoto Machida.
How the UFC world reacted
UFC President Dana White reacted to the news by stating, “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the octagon. His fight with Forst Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten.”
To commemorate the legacy left by ‘The American Psycho’, we have gathered some reactions from fans and fighters across the globe.
RIP Stephan Bonnar đ. True legend of the game. Will never forget that Forrest Griffin fight and how it inspired me. đ pic.twitter.com/wEL2eRQCta
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) December 25, 2022
Rest in Paradise Warrior!Stephan Bonnar 1977 – 2022 https://t.co/JKsfC8FcHW
— Tito Ortiz (with the blue check) (@titoortiz) December 25, 2022
The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
— UFC (@ufc) December 24, 2022
A moment of cage silence goes out to my hero, #UFC Hall of Fame Octagon Warrior #StephanBonnar, "The American Psycho." pic.twitter.com/oSOoVGtJW9
— President Polo (@USAHEYUSA) December 26, 2022
Bonnar/Griffin changed the UFC forever! If you knew @StephanBonnar it was impossible not to love him, a loyal friend with a great sense of humor who once took over an entire floor of our hotel in Australia preparing his own kangaroo meal! RIP American Psycho, gone way too young! pic.twitter.com/KMPEADC1ZX
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) December 25, 2022
UFC president Dana White reacts to Stephan Bonnar's death and labels the TUF 1 finalist as "one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the octagon."
Full story: https://t.co/sSV4rnSzUd pic.twitter.com/76oQPVo0Yg
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 24, 2022
Steve was a true legend of the game and a real warrior. The UFC universe will remember him for his delivering some outstanding memories.
