by Stephan Bonnar passed away a few days before Christmas, with The Ultimate Fighter pioneer and UFC Hall of Famer only 45 years old.
One half of what was credited with being the fight that saved the UFC, Bonnar clearly made an impression on so many in the industry. His passing surprised the MMA community, and personalities and fighters from different eras took to social media to mourn the loss.
The end of TUF1 there was a cast. I hobble around the casino on crutches and get a call.
“Hey. We have to go. Some bouncer put his hands on Stephan and Stephan kicked him in the head and KO’d him.”
He lived hard and fast.
Nothing but love, brother. https://t.co/J28htUPPYH— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) 25 December 2022
RIP to American Pyscho, Stephan Bonnar. I remember watching him and Anderson Silva.
From what I’ve read, without him and Forrest Griffin, the UFC may not have made it.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) 24 December 2022
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 and cooked his own kangaroo meal! RIP American Psycho, gone way too young! pic.twitter.com/KMPEADC1ZX
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) 25 December 2022
Completely devastated by the news of Stephan Bonnar’s passing. One of the most genuine and solid people I have ever met. My heart goes out to his family. Take it easy my friend. I am so grateful that our paths crossed and for the time we have had together. pic.twitter.com/HeQqVkbrM2
— Gray Maynard (@GrayMaynard) 25 December 2022
Stephan Bonner a key piece to the growth of our sport. I remember seeing him and Forest fighting and thinking I have to try this. RIP to a true pioneer!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) 25 December 2022
Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin was the first mma fight I ever saw and it completely changed my life.
It is so incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Stephan’s passing. Another left too soon. My thoughts are with his family at this time pic.twitter.com/1wa2oz1s6H
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) 24 December 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 is a big part of the reason we are here today. https://t.co/NtGaVAN96M
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) 24 December 2022
Ripping legend Stephan Bonnar… Sad year for the MMA community… #ufc #mma
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) 24 December 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 saw him, even after his fighting career, he still lit up the room. Prayers for him and his loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/dMSUuBczdt
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) 24 December 2022
