Anthony Johnson, former two time UFC Light Heavyweight title contender, has unfortunately passed away this Sunday morning at the age of 38.
The fighter’s death was confirmed by MMA Fighting as well as BJPENN.com via insiders in close affiliation with the Johnson family. According to what was published in an obituary of Yahoo! Sports, Johnson had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare type of cancer in adults.
‘Rumble’ appeared on the news just two weeks prior when it was revealed that he was suffering from health complications and Dominance MMA Manager Ali Abdelaziz requested the fans to pray for the fighter.
“Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad. I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him,” Abdelaziz stated, “I want to give a shoutout to Bellator, Scott Coker. They’ve been supporting him. You could not imagine how much support they’re giving them. Anthony, be strong. A lot of people love you. He’s going to be okay, but he’s not doing well.” Unfortunately, his health conditions never improved.
MMA World Reacts To Anthony Johnson’s Death
Several prominent names from the mixed martial arts scene have since reacted to the untimely demise of Johnson.
Utterly shocked and saddened by this. RIP. Sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones. https://t.co/y9PGfRa9JI
— michael (@bisping) November 13, 2022
RIP Rumble 😢💔 https://t.co/TdxI6kS2Gh
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) November 13, 2022
I am so sad to hear about this news. One of the most scary & tough opponents that I had ever faced and one of the nicest and most humble humans I have ever met. My heart is broken. My condolences to his family. RIP #rumblesquad pic.twitter.com/J527ToOtOO
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) November 13, 2022
Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 13, 2022
Rest in Peace Anthony Johnson
Descanse em paz Anthony Johnson
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) November 13, 2022
RIP LEGEND pic.twitter.com/2zFnRZMewS
— Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant) November 13, 2022
Rumble Johnson passed away 🥲 the MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family 🙏🏾
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) November 13, 2022
RIP Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/TYAu2wxn2u
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) November 13, 2022
Johnson debuted in the Octagon back in 2007 and went on to compete in three divisions, finding more success at 205 pounds, and being a multiple title challenger. ‘Rumble’ retired from the sport in 2017 after a (second) loss to Daniel Cormier that took place in the main event of UFC 210.
However, he ended up putting the gloves back on, only for Bellator. He debuted in Scott Coker’s promotion on May 7 with a KO victory over José Augusto at Bellator 258, advancing to the Grand Prix quarterfinals of the 205-pound tournament. However, he had to withdraw from the tournament to deal with his illness.
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