UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar -known for his stunning fight against Forrest Griffin which ‘saved’ the promotion – dies aged 45 as Dana White leads the tributes and says he will ‘never be forgotten’
- Stephan Bonnar passed away on Saturday due to heart complications
- Bonnar fought Forrest Griffin in one of the biggest fights in UFC history
- Dana White paid tribute to his former fighter following the sad news
Former UFC star Stephan Bonnar has passed away at just 45 years old due to complications of the heart.
The UFC took to social media to announce the news on Saturday night.
A statement from UFC president Dana White was included with the announcement.
Legendary UFC fighter Stephan Bonnar passed away at the age of 45 on Saturday
‘Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,’ said UFC President Dana White.
‘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.’
Bonnar is one of the fighters who really played a role in helping get the UFC to where it is today.
Bonnar fought the likes of Anderson Silva during his 14-fight career in the UFC
He competed on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, and in the finals, he and Griffin fought in one of the most legendary fights ever.
The fight may have saved the UFC as it led to another season of TUF and introduced the sport to a new generation of fans.
‘The American Psycho’ was awarded a UFC contract despite losing and went on to fight 14 times with the promotion.
He faced the likes of Jon Jones and Anderson Silva before ending his career in Bellator with a defeat to Tito Ortiz.
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