Stephan Bonnar passed away a couple of days before Christmas, with The Ultimate Fighter pioneer and UFC Hall of Famer being just 45-years-old.
One half of what was credited to be the fight that saved the UFC, Bonnar clearly made an impact with so many in the industry. His passing took the MMA community by surprise, and personalities and fighters from different eras took to social media to mourn the loss.
End of TUF1 there was a cast party. I’m hobbling around on crutches at the casino and I get a call.
“Hey. We need to go. Some bouncer put his hands on Stephan and Stephan kicked him in the head and KO’ed him.”
He lived hard and fast.
Nothing but love, brother. https://t.co/J28htUPPYH— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) December 25, 2022
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.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 24, 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 preparing his own kangaroo meal! RIP American Psycho, gone way too young! pic.twitter.com/KMPEADC1ZX
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) December 25, 2022
Absolutely devastated by the news of Stephan Bonnar passing. One of the most genuine and solid human beings I’ve ever met. My heart goes out to his family. Rest easy my friend. I’m so thankful our paths crossed and for the time we did have together. pic.twitter.com/HeQqVkbrM2
— Gray Maynard (@GrayMaynard) December 25, 2022
Stephan Bonner a key piece to the growth of our sport. I remember watching him and Forest battling it out and thinking, I gotta try this out. RIP to a true pioneer!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) December 25, 2022
Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin was the first mma fight I ever watched, and it completely changed my life.
It is so incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Stephan’s passing. Another one gone too soon. My thoughts are with his family during this time pic.twitter.com/1wa2oz1s6H
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) December 24, 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’s a big part of the reason we are here today. https://t.co/NtGaVAN96M
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 24, 2022
Rip legend Stephan Bonnar…. Sad year for the MMA community… #ufc #mma
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) December 24, 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 would see him, even after his fight career, he still lit up the room. Prayers for him & his loved ones at this difficult time. https://t.co/dMSUuBczdt
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) December 24, 2022
