Stephan Patrick Bonnar was an American professional wrestler and MMA fighter. For most of his UFC career, Bonnar fought as a Light Heavyweight.
Bonnar finished second on The Ultimate Fighter 1 and his TUF Ultimate Finale loss to Forrest Griffin is regarded as one of the most pivotal fights in UFC history.
For the majority of his MMA career, Bonnar played the “role of the underdog,” as evidenced by his bout with Anderson Silva at UFC 153. Aside from Griffin and Silva, Bonnar battled Lyoto Machida, Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, Jon Jones, and Rashad Evans.
During the summer of 1999, Bonnar began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with the great Carlson Gracie, under whom he received his purple belt before Carlson’s death. During his time as a Carlson Gracie pupil, he earned the moniker Robocop.
Because of this, the majority of his fights have ended in submission. Stephan last practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Master Sergio Penha in Las Vegas.
During multiple trips to Thailand, he did, however, train in Muay Thai. Bonnar has been training in Muay Thai in Las Vegas under Master One Kick Nick Blomgren at One Kick’s Gym since the beginning of 2010.
Stephan Bonnar’s cause of death: How did Stephan Bonnar die?
The UFC reported on Saturday that Bonnar died of “presumed cardiac problems.”
