UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar passed away on Thursday after presumed heart complications while he was at work. The 45-year-old played an instrumental role in growing UFC with his April 9, 2005, fight against Forrest Griffin during the first season of 'The Ultimate Fighter.' While Griffin won that fight by a unanimous verdict, Bonnar was offered a contract by the promotion board.
Notably, Griffin and Bonnar were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame for their contributions to the UFC in 2013. "Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon. His fight with Forrest Griffin changed sports forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, and relate to him and he always gave them his best. He will be missed" Dana White was quoted on UFC.com.
After losing his fight to Griffin, in The Ultimate Fighter finals, Bonnar clinched a three-fight winning streak before falling to Rashad Evans. Griffin and Bonnar competed in a rematch of their classic fight in 2006, with Griffin winning again via unanimous decision. Griffin would also go on to win the UFC light heavyweight belt.
Bonnar, a native of Hammond, Indiana, had not fought in MMA since a bout with Tito Ortiz under the Bellato banner in 2014, which headlined as the most-watched Bellator event in its history. In his career, Bonnar faced seven future or former UFC champions: Griffin, Ortiz, Silva, Evans, Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida, and Mark Coleman.
