Stephan Bonnar

The American fought icons such as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Rashad Evans across an eight-year career in the UFC.

Stephan Bonnar, a UFC Hall of Famer who helped launch the promotion into the mainstream with his 2005 fight against Forrest Griffin in the first season of ...

Despite his loss to Griffin, Bonnar won his next three bouts, the newspaper reported. He made his pro debut in 2001 and entered the UFC with a 7-1 record. [Bellator MMA](https://www.bellator.com/) promotion, [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/35316600/ufc-hall-famer-stephan-bonnar-dies-age-45) reported. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.— UFC (@ufc) [American Psycho](https://www.ufc.com/athlete/stephan-bonnar),” Bonnar’s fight against Griffin on April 9, 2005, is regarded as one of the most important fights in mixed martial arts history.

Former champions, TUF vets, commentators and other MMA fighters reacted to Stephan Bonnar's death.

But he was also SO kind and fun to work with. As all MMA fans know, Stephan was a pioneer in the sport. [https://t.co/yxjgLor0zr] [December 25, 2022] [https://t.co/Q6LSU12ddw] [December 25, 2022] [https://t.co/2Bg1GVXZIa] [December 25, 2022] He’s a big part of the reason we are here today.— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) RIP to a true pioneer!— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) Stephan Bonner a key piece to the growth of our sport. One of the most genuine and solid human beings I’ve ever met. [https://t.co/J28htUPPYH] [December 25, 2022] One half of what was credited to be the fight that saved the UFC, Bonnar clearly made an impact with so many in the industry. [https://t.co/jXZLNKQBbf] [December 24, 2022]

Stephan Bonnar died from 'presumed heart complications while at work' at age 45, the UFC said in a news release on Saturday.

RIP to a true pioneer!" "I remember watching him and Forest battling it out and thinking, I gotta try this out. He will be missed." "The fans loved him, related to him and he always gave them his best. "Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon," UFC President Dana White said in a statement. [presumed heart complications while at work](https://www.ufc.com/news/stephan-bonnar-1977-2022)," the UFC said in a news release on Saturday.

UFC says former fighter Stephan Bonnar, who played a significant role in the UFC's growth into the dominant promotion in mixed martial arts, has died.

“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. He will be missed.” He reached the competition’s finale, where he had a spectacular, bloody brawl with Forrest Griffin.

The UFC has announced that Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar passed away this weekend at the age of 45. Bonnar, who participated in the memorable fight against ...

But the fight was so good that UFC president Dana White also awarded Bonnar a contract. Bonnar named his first son Griffin after his biggest rival, who went on to become a good friend of his. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013. The Griffin vs. Bonnar, who participated in the memorable fight against Forrest Griffin on the finale of the first season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' in 2005, died while at work from suspected heart complications. Bonnar drama, in which the two engaged in a bloody brawl, has long been an example of what the sport of MMA can become, allowing it to forge its own identity separate from other combat sports such as boxing.

UFC announced in a statement that Bonnar died Thursday from “presumed heart complications while at work.”

“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. He will be missed.” He reached the competition’s finale, where he had a spectacular, bloody brawl with Forrest Griffin.

UFC says former fighter Stephan Bonnar, who played a significant role in the UFC's growth into the dominant promotion in mixed martial arts, has died.

“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. He will be missed.” He reached the competition’s finale, where he had a spectacular, bloody brawl with Forrest Griffin.

Stephen Bonnar, who helped popularize UFC in the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" in 2005, died Thursday. He was 45.

And that was in the second round. I was like 'oooh, this must be good.'" He will be missed."

Former fighter Stephan Bonnar, who played a significant role in the UFC's growth into the dominant promotion in mixed martial arts, has died, UFC announced.

“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. He will be missed.” He reached the competition’s finale, where he had a spectacular, bloody brawl with Forrest Griffin.

UFC Hall of Famer and The Ultimate Fighter alum Stephan Bonnar died Dec. 22 from presumed heart complications, the organization shared.

"Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon," UFC President Dana White said in a statement Dec. News App](https://eonline.onelink.me/ItsS/1b3e9f57) Those fans fell in love with Bonnar back in 2005 during the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. According to the [organization](https://www.ufc.com/news/stephan-bonnar-1977-2022), his cause of death is from presumed heart complications while he was at work. [Mike Goldberg](https://twitter.com/GoldieOnTV/status/1606887375975895040) tweeted after Bonnar's death, "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! 22 at age 45](https://www.eonline.com/photos/33755/celebrity-deaths-2022s-fallen-stars).

Former fighter Stephan Bonnar, who played a significant role in the UFC's growth into the dominant promotion in mixed martial arts, has died, UFC announced.

“His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. He will be missed.” He reached the competition’s finale, where he had a spectacular, bloody brawl with Forrest Griffin.