FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
Stephan Patrick Bonnar (April 4, 1977 – December 22, 2022) was an American professional wrestler and professional mixed martial artist. Bonnar competed as a Light Heavyweight in the UFC for most of his career. Bonnar was the runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter 1, his TUF Ultimate Finale loss to Forrest Griffin is considered to be one of the most important fights in the history of the UFC. For most of his MMA career Bonnar played the “role of the underdog”, this is particularly exemplified in his fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 153. In addition to Griffin and Silva, Bonnar faced world champions Lyoto Machida, Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, Jon Jones, and Rashad Evans.
Bonnar died on December 22, 2022, at the age of 45. UFC issued a statement suggesting it was presumed that Bonnar had died of a heart complication while at work.
“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.”
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