Stephan Bonnar Dies: The UFC has confirmed the passing of former fighter Stephan Bonnar, who was instrumental in helping the organization develop into the leading mixed martial arts organization. He was 45.
According to a statement released by the UFC on Saturday, Bonnar, who was inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame in 2013, passed away on Thursday following “presumed heart issues while at work.” No other information was provided.
Indiana-born Bonnar, who had previously fought in the UFC in 2014, has only managed an 8-6 record in seven years with the organization.
He competed in “The Ultimate Fighter,” the UFC’s long-running reality competition series, in its inaugural season in 2005. He made it to the competition’s grand finals when he engaged Forrest Griffin in a stunning, gory bout.
Griffin prevailed via decision, but it is widely believed that the highly entertaining fight’s viral attention helped spread awareness of the obscure sport online and on Spike TV, which aired it.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” UFC president Dana White said. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved and related to him, and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
Who Was Stephan Bonnar?
Bonnar was reared in Munster, Indiana, and attended Munster High School after being born in Hammond, Indiana. Bonnar had a rich history in combat sports, starting with wrestling at the age of 10, Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the age of 22, and then adding boxing and muay Thai at the age of 24.
At 16, he received his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also won the Super Heavyweight Golden Gloves Championship twice. He attended Purdue University, received his degree in Sports Medicine, and graduated in 2000. Follow Newswatchlist.com for more information. You can also leave your thoughts in the comment section, and don’t forget to bookmark our website.
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