By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) just lost one of the most legendary Mixed Martial Artists (MMA) of all time.
Stephan Bonnar, one of the most influential fighters to ever set foot in the octagon, died three days ago due to heart complications while at work.
The well-loved MMA fighter was 45 years old and will forever be remembered for his toughness, grit, and charisma in the world of combat sports.
Bonnar took the UFC by storm and caught the attention of the league when he used to take a beating and still pull off comeback wins for most of his fights.
Perhaps his most memorable fight was when he took on former world champion Forest Griffin last August 26, 2006 and will forever go down in the UFC history books.
Bonnar slugged it out with Griffin in three grueling rounds. He might’ve lost the fight via a close unanimous decision call but it was the start of his stardom in the UFC.
“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,” said UFC president Dana White.
Since entering the biggest MMA league last 2005, Bonnar compiled an impressive professional record of 17 wins and nine defeats.
Bonnar faced plenty of household names in the UFC including former world champions Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Tito Ortiz, Rashad Evans, and Mark Coleman.
