S. Bonnar worked in MMA between 2001 and 2014. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The MMA world was surprised by the news of the death of Stephan bonnar, victim of heart problems, aged 45, and is in mourning. As a result, martial arts personalities, fighters and commentators lamented the loss of the North American, who marked an era and was fundamental to the growth of the UFC in the history of the sport. Check out the reactions below:
Anderson Silva
Bonnar's former opponent, Anderson Silva moved fans with an 'open letter' in which he reflected on death. In your 'Instagram'official, o'Spider' left a message to his followers and cited his friend as a hero. The two fighters faced each other in October 2012 at UFC Rio, when the Brazilian won by knockout in the first round.
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“Live your life so that the fear of death never enters your heart. Don't bother anyone with your religion; respect the views of others and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. (…) Always give a word or sign of greeting when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and do not demean yourself to anyone. Do not abuse anyone or anything, for abuse turns the wise into fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When the time comes to die, do not be like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when the time comes, they cry and pray for a little more time to live their lives again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero returning home. Thank you my friend Rest in peace”, wrote Anderson.
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Michael Bisping
Former champion and current UFC commentator, Michael Bisping claims to have been 'heartbroken' upon hearing the news of his death Stephan bonnar. He also sent his condolences to the American's family.
“I heard about it this morning. Truly a heartbreaking loss. Very sad. Thoughts are with his family,” Bisping said.
Heard about this early this morning. Truly a heartbreaking loss. So very sad. Thoughts are with his family from him. https://t.co/jXZLNKQBbf
- michael (@bisping) December 24, 2022
kyle nelson
UFC fighter, the Canadian kyle nelson regretted the news and declared that he 'heard' about MMA and began to have it as a lifelong dream after seeing Stephen Bonnar's presentation in the battle against Forrest griffin.
“The first time I heard about mixed martial arts was when I was 14 years old and I saw the first definitive fighter. This started the dream that led me to where I am today. The final between Stephan and Forrest saved the UFC from sinking. Rest in peace,” Kyle posted.
Jake Paul
Last opponent of Anderson Silva in boxing, Jake Paul There was also another athlete to regret the news. In your 'Twitter', the YouTuber says he remembers following the 'American Psychopath', as the fighter was known, against 'Spider'.
“Rest in peace to the American psychopath, Stephan bonnar. I remember watching him and the Anderson Silva. From what I read, without it and Forrest griffin, the UFC wouldn’t have made it,” wrote Jake.
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 not have made it.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 24, 2022
Megan anderson
Female highlight in sport, Megan anderson defined Stephan bonnar x Forrest griffin like the fight that changed his life. It also reinforces the pain of knowing another fighter is leaving 'too soon'.
"Stephan bonnar x Forrest griffin It was the first MMA fight I watched and it completely changed my life. It is incredibly painful to hear the news of Stephan's death. Another one gone too soon. My thoughts are with her family during this time”, endorsed the fighter.
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
Stephan Bonnar fought the fight that 'saved' the UFC
If today the UFC is seen, by many, as the biggest MMA organization in the world, Stephan bonnar has great participation, even in the words of the president, Dana White. In 2005, the event's owners, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, were already evaluating the possibility of selling the company, even without making a profit.
Dana's last attempt came with the 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF), a reality show featuring fighters, with the winner receiving a contract for the franchise. In the grand final, Stephan bonnar e Forrest griffin they fought a 'war', which is known as one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. The clash made the UFC popular in the United States.
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