UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar, who made history as a finalist on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, has passed away. He was 45 years old.
The UFC announced the news on SaturdayChristmas Eve, and cited heart complications at work as the cause of Bonnar’s death, which occurred on Thursday.
A legend in the world of mixed martial arts, “The American Psycho” Bonnar served as one half of the fight and is credited with turning the then-struggling UFC around. Although he lost in “The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale” against Forrest Griffin in April 2005, the effects were felt for generations to come. The bout was eventually inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013.
“Stephen Bonner was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the octagon,” UFC President Dana White said in a statement. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever and will never be forgotten. Fans loved him, related to him and always gave their best to him. he will be missed.”
Bonnar competed 26 times as a professional, including 15 UFC appearances and one for Bellator. He made his pro debut in 2001 with his UFC debut after eight fights. Bonner entered the UFC at 7–1, and although he lost the fight to Griffin, he won his next three fights.
They split their next four at 2–2 with losses to Rashad Evans and Griffin, and later wins over Mark Nicklaus and Eric Schaefer. Bonner then went on a three-fight skid defeating Jon Jones, Mark Coleman and Krzysztof Soszynski. He won a rematch against Soszynski before defeating Igor Pokrjak and Kyle Kingsbury.
A loss to Anderson Silva in the makeshift UFC 153 main event was his final bout for the promotion. Bonnar parted ways with the promotion after failing a drug test and claiming retirement. However, he re-entered competition in 2014 to fight Tito Ortiz at Bellator and lost by split decision.
Bonnar has been in the limelight intermittently since his final MMA bout. In 2019, he competed for Impact Wrestling after two years building on the independent pro wrestling circuit. In 2020, Bonnar briefly reappeared on the MMA circuit as a cornerman for fellow TUF 1 competitor Diego Sanchez. In April 2022, Bonnar had to struggle further outside the cage when his house burned down.
Throughout the MMA community, Bonnar was a beloved figure for his tenacity and importance to the sport. Many fighters, promoters, fans and loved ones flocked to social media on Saturday to mourn the loss of the UFC pioneer.
Scroll down to see some of those reactions.
UFC
The UFC family is saddened by the passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
— UFC (@ufc) December 24, 2022
Jake Paul
RIP to the American Pyscho, Stephan Bonnar. I remember seeing him and Anderson Silva.
From what I’ve read, and without Forrest Griffin, the UFC may not have made it this far.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 24, 2022
Ariel Helwani
Terrible news. It would not be an exaggeration to say that without Stephen Bonner’s contribution to TUF 1 (and the finals), the game would not be what it is today. He will always be an extremely important part of MMA history.
may he rest in peace. https://t.co/32e0wIr3fj
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 24, 2022
Renato Moicano
Rip legend Stephan Bonnar…. Sad year for the MMA community… #UFC #mma
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) December 24, 2022
Aaron Bronstetter
RIP Stephen Bonnar – UFC Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic fights in UFC history https://t.co/qS5QZev9uX
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 24, 2022
Michael Chiesa
My condolences to the family of Stephen Bonnar. 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 (@micmaw22) December 24, 2022
mike bohn
Sad news on Christmas Eve. Stephen Bonnar was a key player in helping elevate the UFC into the global powerhouse it is today. Let us never underestimate his contribution. RIP ❤️ https://t.co/WZc26SdtI1
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) December 24, 2022
Kyle Nelson
I first heard about mixed martial arts when I was 14 and saw the first Ultimate Fighter. That was the beginning of the dream that led me to where I am today. The final between Stephen and Forrest saved the UFC from going down. tear out pic.twitter.com/vtR9wkmxCF
— Kyle The Monster Nelson (@THE__MONSTER) December 24, 2022
Megan Anderson
Stephen Bonner vs. Forrest Griffin was the first MMA fight I ever saw, and it completely changed my life.
It is very heartbreaking to hear the news of Stephen’s passing. Another gone too soon. My thoughts are with his family during this time. pic.twitter.com/1wa2oz1s6H
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) December 24, 2022
John McCarthy
very sad to hear about the passing of @StephanBonnar his fight with @Forrest Griffin helped jumpstart @ufc In the mega promotion that you are seeing today. RIP Stephen. your time here was too short
– Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) December 24, 2022
Ben Rothwell
Ohhh man 😢
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) December 24, 2022
megan olive
As all MMA fans know, Stephens was a pioneer in the sport. But he was also very kind and fun to work with. Whenever we would see him, even after his fight career, he lit up the room. Prayers for him and his loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/dMSUuBczdt
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) December 24, 2022
simon stuff
“Predictable heart complications” at age 45. Sorry, sad news.
Stephen Bonner may be the most important fighter in UFC history to never win a UFC title as one half of the iconic TUF 1 finale with Forrest Griffin. He was as tough as they come.
May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/XyjYmHoJsH
— Simon Samano (@SJSamano) December 24, 2022
cubs swanson
Cody Garbrandt
Anthony Pettis
Belal Muhammad
Arnold Allen
Billy Quarantillo
RIP Stephan Bonner one of the most influential fighters in ufc history, his fight with Forrest and TUF season 1 was a big reason I got into mma #legend https://t.co/dHNTTARfaj
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) December 25, 2022
caposa
Some exaggerations and myths about Bonnar-Griffin persist. The pivotal role he played in helping usher in the ‘UFC on Spike’ era is undeniable, which in turn changed the sport forever. Really sad to hear this. RIP to American Psycho https://t.co/ziw48kezd9
– Caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 25, 2022
Kenny Florian
Stephen Bonner, you were one of the toughest and funniest people I’ve ever met. You are gone too soon but have achieved so much in such a short time. You helped change the sport forever, inspired an entire generation of fighters and your impact will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/LyYA5FzRmG
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 25, 2022