MMA legend and UFC Hall of Fame fighter Stephan Bonnar has passed away at the age of 45.
The UFC announced the news Saturday, Christmas Eve, and cited heart complications at work as the cause of Bonnar’s death, which occurred Thursday.
“The UFC family is saddened by the tragic passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Thursday from presumed heart complications while at work.”
Per reports, he apparently died a couple of days ago. An official cause of death is pending.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the octagon,” UFC President Dana White in a statement.
“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.”
He competed in the very first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” back in 2005, an appearance that saw him go all the way to the finale.
Bonnar competed 26 times as a professional, with 15 UFC appearances and one for Bellator. He made his pro debut in 2001, with his UFC debut eight fights later. Bonnar entered the UFC at 7-1, and although he lost the fight to Griffin, he won his next three.
Bonnar’s legacy will be that he was one of the catalysts to help the UFC grow into what it is today, and he goes down as one of the sport’s greatest-known fighters to date.
He’s survived by his wife, Andrea, and their son Griffin.
