Combat sports world reflects on the life of Stephan Bonnar, a UFC Hall of Famer and pioneer

Daniel Yanofsky

Combat sports world reflects on the life of Stephan Bonnar, a UFC Hall of Famer and pioneer image

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.

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. 

Daniel Yanofsky