Former mixed martial arts fighter, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, has passed on at the age of 38.
Bellator UFC first confirmed the news Sunday afternoon, tweeting, “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.”
The cause of death was organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is a rare disorder of the immune system.
“Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing,” Johnson wrote on Instagram in September 2021. “Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family.”
“This is gonna be a battle and I’m gonna have to dig deeper than I ever have before,” he added in his caption, later posting throughout the year brief, positive updates on his health.
Johnson competed in the UFC at welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight, and was known as one of the most feared punchers in the sport. He was 3-0 when he debuted in the UFC on June 12, 2007, knocking out Chad Reiner in just 13 seconds in Hollywood, Florida.
Johnson’s last professional fight was in May 2021, knocking out José Augusto and bringing his career record to 23-6.
“He was always a great kid,” UFC president Dana White said of Johnson. “He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family.”
