Two-time UFC title challenger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson died Sunday, Bellator MMA announced. He was 38.
Johnson had been battling an unknown illness for a long period of time, and last month his manager Ali Abdelaziz asked fans to pray for the fighter.“I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.”“Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am,” Johnson wrote. “Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing.
Johnson, who went 23-6 in MMA with 17 victories via KO, is remembered for two separate stretches of time with the UFC from 2007-12 and 2014-17. His first run saw him emerge as a power-hitting welterweight prospect who pushed the limits of cutting his large frame down to 170 pounds for weigh ins. After weight management issues contributed to his exit from the UFC, he returned to the promotion at a more natural 205-pound competition weight.
During that second stint, Johnson defeated Glover Teixeira, Ryan Bader, Alexander Gustafsson and Phil Davis, and had two chances at the light heavyweight championship, both losses to Cormier.The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
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