The UFC announced that Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar died “from presumed heart complications while at work” on Thursday. He was 45.
Bonnar, who primarily competed in the light heavyweight division, finished runner-up during the debut season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. His loss in the final against Forrest Griffin is regarded as one of the greatest matches in UFC history.
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Bonnar’s victory over Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 116 in 2010 earned Fight of the Night honours.
He announced his retirement after losing to Anderson Silva at UFC 153 on Oct 13, 2012, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame alongside Griffin on July 6, 2013.
Bonnar, who fought out of Las Vegas, came out of retirement to face Tito Ortiz at Bellator 131 on Nov. 15, 2014 and lost via split decision. He finished his career with a 15-9 win-loss record.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” UFC President Dana White said in a statement Saturday on UFC.com. “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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