Former UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson dies at 38
The heavy-handed knockout artist had been battling illness behind the scenes, though the cause of his passing has not been confirmed.
Former MMA fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who fought in the UFC from 2007 to 2017, died on Sunday, Bellator MMA announced. He was 38 years old.
Make every story count.
Join XP Passport to earn XP as you read and build your martial arts profile.
“It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson,” Bellator MMA said in a statement. “The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
🙏 It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony Rumble Johnson.
The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/TqZzN1wquY
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 13, 2022
Johnson posted a professional fighting record of 23-6, with 17 wins via knockout. His last UFC fight was against Daniel Cormier in UFC 210 for the light heavyweight championship. His most recent bout was on May 7, 2021, at Bellator 258.
“He was always a great kid,” UFC president Dana White said of Johnson, per Yahoo! Sports’ Iole. “He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family.”
This story first published at SI.com/MMA.
More coverage
UFC Vegas 123 preview: Moicano and Nolan headline a Halloween card where the main event odds have already flipped, and Julian Erosa fights for the last time
Four straight losses, a split from City Kickboxing, and a promise of blood in the sand. The former two-time middleweight champion says he has his motivation back.
