Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, an MMA mild heavyweight fighter who went 23-6 in his profession, has died. He was 38.
Bellator MMA introduced Johnson’s loss of life on social media on Sunday. A Bellator spokesman stated Johnson had been in poor health for greater than a yr.
“The BELLATOR household is devastated by his premature passing and we ship our condolences to his household and associates throughout this tough time,” the announcement stated.
Throughout his profession, Johnson had 17 knockouts and 6 choices. His final struggle was in Could 2021.
In September 2021, Johnson posted on Instagram that he wanted “as many prayers as I can get” and was in a battle, noting it was “NOT COVID.” On Could 17, Johnson posted on Instagram that he had gotten excellent news from his physician, saying there have been “large enhancements.”
However in late October, Johnson’s supervisor spoke to ESPN, saying that Johnson was “going via some well being issues proper now … he’s not doing properly.”
Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and MMA fighter, expressed his condolences online, saying “for a man who struck worry into so many peoples (sic) coronary heart (he) was a caring particular person.”
“From random textual content to verify ins throughout loss,” Cormier stated. “What an individual he was … typically life doesn’t appear truthful.”
Johnson fought within the UFC from 2007 to 2017, most notably shedding twice to Daniel Cormier in mild heavyweight title bouts. Johnson competed in three weight courses for the UFC and established a popularity as a strong puncher and a fan favourite for his aggressive, striking-based strategy in MMA.
Johnson retired in 2017 from the UFC after his second title loss to Cormier, however he returned to competitors with Bellator for one bout in 2021 earlier than his well being issues worsened.
