The combat sports world was shocked to learn of the death last weekend of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar.
According to UFC.com, Bonnar died of complications from a presumed heart issue while working. He was 45.
"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 (and) related to him, and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
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Bonnar was immortalized in MMA lore when he fought Griffin during the finale of the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter." The fight created a massive spike in viewership for the UFC when the promotion was still on Spike. Bonnar and Griffin’s performance was credited with single-handedly saving the organization during a time when the UFC was in debt and there were ideas of selling.
Stephan was a lot of things: He was always the most interesting person in the room, he had the biggest heart and most importantly, he was my friend. I always loved it that people got excited when they found out we were really friends. I’ll always miss you, brother. https://t.co/lXuMgRgaJV
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) December 28, 2022
Who was Stephan Bonnar?
Bonnar was a part of the combat sports world from age 10 on. The two-time Golden Gloves amateur boxing champion learned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 22 and Muay Thai at 24. His jiu-jitsu experience came from Carlson Gracie.
He made his pro debut in 2001. Four years later, he competed in the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter." Bonnar fought Griffin in the finals for the UFC light heavyweight championship, losing via unanimous decision. Not only was that fight one of the best bouts in company history, it also was the most important.
The two engaged in a Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns-like first round. From there, Bonnar and Griffin continued at a non-stop pace, landing a combined 145 shots. The judges scored the fight for Griffin, but Bonnar earned a contract for his efforts.
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Many credit this fight with saving the company and introducing it to a new generation of fans. The UFC may not have been the juggernaut it is today if not for Bonnar vs. Griffin. Both were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013 in the fight wing.
The two faced off again a year after their infamous bout, with Griffin once again victorious.
Following that fight, Bonnar went 8-6 with the UFC, fighting the likes of James Irvin, Rashad Evans, Jon Jones, and Krzysztof Soszynski. His last UFC bout was a TKO loss to Anderson Silva in 2012. Bonnar’s final MMA fight was a split-decision loss to Tito Ortiz in Bellator in 2014.
Outside of MMA, Bonnar competed in pro wrestling for a number of promotions, including House of Glory and Impact Wrestling.
Combat sports world remembers Stephan Bonnar
The Bonnar-Griffin fight helped to bring in new fans and inspire future fighters.
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From legends in the sport to the current generation, the combat sports community honored Bonnar following his death.
Stephan Bonner a key piece to the growth of our sport. I remember watching him and Forest battling it out and thinking, I gotta try this out. RIP to a true pioneer!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) December 25, 2022
Heard about this early this morning. Truly a heartbreaking loss. So very sad. Thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/jXZLNKQBbf
— michael (@bisping) December 24, 2022
This was Stephan Bonnar at UFC 116 after defeating Krzysztof Soszynski.
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) December 25, 2022
It was the most emotional post-fight speech of his career and it exemplified why he was beloved. pic.twitter.com/w4aCdqFukm
Bonnar/Griffin changed the UFC forever! If you knew @StephanBonnar it was impossible not to love him, 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! RIP American Psycho, gone way too young! pic.twitter.com/KMPEADC1ZX
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) December 25, 2022
As all MMA fans know, Stephan was a pioneer in the sport. But he was also SO kind and fun to work with. Whenever we would see him, even after his fight career, he still lit up the room. Prayers for him & his loved ones at this difficult time. https://t.co/dMSUuBczdt
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) December 24, 2022
My condolences go out to Stephan Bonnar’s family. His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the landscape of the sport of MMA and pushed it to the next level. He’s a big part of the reason we are here today. https://t.co/NtGaVAN96M
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 24, 2022
Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin was the first mma fight I ever watched, and it completely changed my life.
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) December 24, 2022
It is so incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Stephan's passing. Another one gone too soon. My thoughts are with his family during this time 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1wa2oz1s6H
Stephan Bonnar, you were one of the toughest & funniest guys I’ve ever met. You passed way too soon but accomplished so much in a short amount of time. You helped change this sport forever, inspired a whole generation of fighters & your impact will always be remembered. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LyYA5FzRmG
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 25, 2022
😔 RIP legend pic.twitter.com/fIXZtesyAP
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) December 24, 2022
End of TUF1 there was a cast party. I’m hobbling around on crutches at the casino and I get a call.
— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) December 25, 2022
“Hey. We need to go. Some bouncer put his hands on Stephan and Stephan kicked him in the head and KO’ed him.”
He lived hard and fast.
Nothing but love, brother. https://t.co/J28htUPPYH
R.I.P to Stephan Bonnar. He was always a ton of fun, gone too soon but will never be forgotten! Thanks for the memories 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ALa8SdyT6f
— FILTHY トム・ローラー (@FilthyTomLawlor) December 26, 2022
Absolutely devastated by the news of Stephan Bonnar passing. One of the most genuine and solid human beings I’ve ever met. My heart goes out to his family. Rest easy my friend. I’m so thankful our paths crossed and for the time we did have together. pic.twitter.com/HeQqVkbrM2
— Gray Maynard (@GrayMaynard) December 25, 2022
I did a few shows w/Stephan Bonnar. Such a nice/real dude.
— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) December 25, 2022
I remember a curtain sell out for his match at @BLabelPro once. He hit a random “Street Fighter Guile” jumping spin kick out of nowhere. Biggest pop I’ve ever seen from the boys.
Oh & he saved UFC too.
RIP to a legend.
RIP to the American Pyscho, Stephan Bonnar. I remember watching him and Anderson Silva.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 24, 2022
From what I’ve read, without him and Forrest Griffin, UFC may have not made it.
Stephan Bonnar called my phone one day in 2019 and i thought it was a prank call.
— Black Label Pro (@BLabelPro) December 24, 2022
He wanted his family (that's local to us) to be able to see him wrestle.
He came to Crown Point and he and @THELoganJames1 blew us all away.
RIP Stephan. Thank you for giving us that memory. pic.twitter.com/aqh2sO2DZF
