Stephan Bonnar (UFC Hall of Famer) has died at 45 from complications due to a presumptive heart issue
Stephan Bonnar, UFC’s light heavyweight champion, has died at 45.
Bonnar fought Griffin in one the most memorable fights of UFC’s history. It took place on April 9, 2005 at the Cox Pavilion, UNLV campus in Las Vegas. At the time, the UFC was in debt by tens of million dollars. Lorenzo Fertitta, then-owner, had directed Dana White to find a buyer.
After the Spike TV’s epic Griffin-Bonnar fight, White, Fertitta, and Spike executives negotiated a new television contract in the arena’s parking lot. The company’s trajectory instantly went up.
UFC.com reports that Bonnar died from complications due to a heart problem while working. White stated to UFC.com, Bonnar was one of the most important fighters in UFC history
Stephan Bonnar was a great Octagon fighter. Forrest Griffin’s fight with Stephan Bonnar changed the sport forever. He will be remembered forever. His fans loved him. They bonded with him and he gave them his best. He will be deeply missed.
Bonnar was more than a striker, holding a blackbelt in jiujitsu. He was also an articulate public speaker who was golden with a microphone in front of his face.
Griffin won a split decision, but he was still awarded a contract by the UFC. He fought 15 more times in the promotion and compiled a UFC record of 7-8. Seven of his eight UFC losses were to fighters who were already in the Hall of Fame (Griffin, Rashad Evans and Jon Jones) or who will be. Krzysztof Szynski was his only UFC defeat. In a rematch, Soszynski defeated him.
Bonnar has lost just once since his pre-UFC days. That was when he lost to Lyoto Mchida at Jungle Fight 1. Bonnar was defeated only once by Soszynski, a non-UFC champion.
He was defeated by Tito Ortiz in his fight final at Bellator 131, Nov. 15, 2014. He finished his career record at 15-9, with nine finishes. After retiring, he tried his hand at professional wrestling.
Griffin will always be his fight. He was stunned at how his fame grew after the fight.
Everything changed. I didn’t think I’d have a UFC career. Although it was a hobby, it transformed my life. It was like I had become a celebrity in a matter of hours. Everywhere I went, people recognized me even in the most remote places. TapouT was my travel companion and I was in a small village. I was jogging and someone in a pickup was going ‘Hey Bonnar.’ And everywhere you go, someone knows who you are. It was quite wild.
Bonnar is survived his wife Andrea and a son Griffin.