RIP Stephen Bonnar

[Coach is Back!]

https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-stephan-bonnar-dead-death-hall-of-fame-45

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1606788857701494785?s=46&t=uX1b5L6eMmWNRHNUe41wUg

[Gym Rat]

"Heart complications at work as the cause of his death Thursday. Bonnar was 45".
(El' Clotto, De' Shotto). 

One of the greatest fights of all-time IMO. (Bonnar / Griffin).

[oldschoolfan]

I think he had some major drug problems the past few years

[OneMoreRep]

Damn, he was too young.

Still, must admit, he probably lived more than most men will ever be able to claim. To fight in what could be called a modern day Roman Coliseum (albeit without the dying at the end) is certainly something that makes you feel alive.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them” ~ Ron Avidan

RIP

"1"

[Royalty]

Damn, he was too young.

Still, must admit, he probably lived more than most men will ever be able to claim. To fight in what could be called a modern day Roman Coliseum (albeit without the dying at the end) is certainly something that makes you feel alive.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them” ~ Ron Avidan

RIP

"1"

Great post.

OMR you should run for political office. I’m serious.

[oldschoolfan]

Here is an article about what had been going on with Bonnar the past few years

https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/12/24/23525664/ufc-hall-of-famer-stephan-bonnar-dead-45-ultimate-fighter-mma-wrestling-news

[a_pupil]

Covid Vax 

[NoPEDsNoBB]

Seems like he was going through some hard times..

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10031413-former-mma-fighter-stephan-bonnar-says-he-lost-everything-in-house-fire

Nvm.. oldschoolfans link mentions it too..

along with breaking his back last year..

[20inch calves]

Very sad. Way to young

[jude2]

People are dying so young now a days.

[Vince G, CSN MFT]

He was only 2 days older than me.  Sad to hear but im not surprised.. heavy use of steroids, rec drugs, alcohol...catches up

[Mothballs]

No doubt they will find plenty of coke/meth/opioids in his autopsy.

[oldschoolfan]

No doubt they will find plenty of coke/meth/opioids in his autopsy.

More than likely yes Stephen blew all of his mma money and didn’t have a real job after his mma stint was over he self collapsed

[SOMEPARTS]

The Bonnar/Griffin fight was a turning point for UFC.

Claimed in 2021 that he was refused painkiller scripts due to his public antivax stance. 

[wes]

RIP

[Phantom Spunker]

"I'm not saying it was painkillers and booze that killed me ..."




Great fighter. Helped put the UFC on the map. As OMR said, what greater way to rage against life's cruel punchline than by throwing hands in da cage.

My candle burns at both ends;
    It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
    It gives a lovely light!

[Gym Rat]

Like the many wrestlers/fighters that went before him, a deadly combo. Drugs, gear, booze, pills, head-shots, etc.
Rewires you in a very bad way... PIP

[galain]

Sad news indeed. He went from being one of the more charismatic intelligent guys in the sport to being a bit of a heel, but he always sounded like a solid person. Had a young child too I believe. That's a shitty Christmas for his family.

[Humble Narcissist]

Great fighter. RIP

[Bevo]

Oh, well. He wasn’t going to write Beethoven’s ninth symphony

[NoPEDsNoBB]

Sad news indeed. He went from being one of the more charismatic intelligent guys in the sport to being a bit of a heel, but he always sounded like a solid person. Had a young child too I believe. That's a shitty Christmas for his family.

Named him (Griffin) after Forrest Griffin.

[Humble Narcissist]

Oh, well. He wasn’t going to write Beethoven’s ninth symphony

Yeah, but Beethoven never fought in the cage.

[honest]

RIP guy went a long way in MMA with limited natural ability, all heart and toughness. Shame he fell on hard times post UFC