Stephan Bonnar dead: MMA World Led Tributes to the UFC legend
David Craig
Published Jan 17, 2026
- MMA World is in tears after their fellow martial artist Stephan Bonnar is dead at the age of 45.
- The finalist in the first series of The Ultimate Fighter could not sustain himself due to heart complications.
- Here’s what you need to know about the life of the late fighter and his rivalry with Forrest Griffin.
RIP Bonnar! The MMA fighter died of a Heart Attack
UFC legend Stephan Bonnar passed away years after Bonnar and his rival Griffin were officially inducted on July 6, 2013. The American professional wrestler collapsed at the age of 45 due to heart complications.
The Hall of Famer’s demise on Thursday, December 22, 2022, is one of the mourning phases for all the MMA artists.
The MMA artist is survived by his wife Andrea, whom he married on October 30, 2009, in Tuscany, Italy, and their son Griffin Brandon, 10. Talking about his health, Bonnar was asthmatic.
After retirement from boxing, Bonnar was appointed the president of North Star Combat, a Minnesota-based MMA promotion, and also joined Impact wrestling.
Briefing his retirement career, Stephan had his pro wrestling debut at Smashmouth Pro Wrestling’s event Smashfest in a Battle Royal on April 8, 2017.
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MMA Fighters and Fellow Boxer Paid Tribute to late Bonnar
UFC president Dana White on his death note to one of their legendary Fighter Stephan Bonnar wrote,
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon. 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.”
MMA fighter Michael Chiesa also penned some condolences messages to the fellow fighter, tweeting,
“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.”
Meanwhile, YouTuber turned-boxer Jake Paul also recalled how he remember watching Bonnar and Anderson Silva in his early days, saying,
“RIP to the American Pyscho, Stephan Bonnar. I remember watching him and Anderson Silva. From what I’ve read, without him and Forrest Griffin, UFC may have not made it.”
Viva Frei also Tweeted from the official Twitter account about how saddened the fighters are fighting their own battle to life,
I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of Stephan Bonnar’ life & death. I had no idea. It’s tragic. We love our heroes when they are in our consciousness. Then life goes on, they fade from collective consciousness & are left to battle their demons alone.
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