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The UFC may well never be where it’s at today without Stephan Bonnar.
Bonnar was the runner-up on the first-ever season of The Ultimate Fighter and his season finale fight with Forrest Griffin thrust the UFC into the mainstream sports spotlight.
He’d go on to have a seven-year career in the UFC before eventually retiring following a loss to UFC legend Anderson Silva in 2012.
Sadly, Bonnar passed away on Saturday at the age of 45.
News of his death shocked the MMA community, who immediately posted tributes and memories across social media.
Heard about this early this morning. Truly a heartbreaking loss. So very sad. Thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/jXZLNKQBbf
— michael (@bisping) December 24, 2022
Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul talked about his memories of Bonnar’s legendary fight against Griffin.
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 have not made it.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 24, 2022
And Bonnar’s UFC family remembered Bonnar and sent well-wishes to those close to him.
Very sad to hear about the passing of @StephanBonnar His fight with @ForrestGriffin helped jumpstart the @ufc into the mega promotion you see today. RIP Stephan. Your time here was way too short
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) December 24, 2022
My condolences go out to Stephan Bonnar’s family. His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the landscape of the sport of MMA and pushed it to the next level. He’s a big part of the reason we are here today. https://t.co/NtGaVAN96M
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 24, 2022
Stephan Bonnar, you were one of the toughest & funniest guys I’ve ever met. You passed way too soon but accomplished so much in a short amount of time. You helped change this sport forever, inspired a whole generation of fighters & your impact will always be remembered. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LyYA5FzRmG
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 25, 2022
Popular MMA journalist Ariel Helwani talked about what Bonnar meant to the sport.
Horrible news. Not hyperbole to state that without Stephan Bonnar’s contributions on TUF 1 (and the finale) the sport isn’t what it is today. He will forever be an extremely important part of MMA history.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/32e0wIr3fj
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 24, 2022
Even the pro wrestling world weighed in on Bonnar’s passing.
Stephan Bonnar called my phone one day in 2019 and i thought it was a prank call.
He wanted his family (that's local to us) to be able to see him wrestle.
He came to Crown Point and he and @THELoganJames1 blew us all away.
RIP Stephan. Thank you for giving us that memory. pic.twitter.com/aqh2sO2DZF
— Black Label Pro (@BLabelPro) December 24, 2022
Bonnar leaves behind his wife, Andrea, and son Griffin Brandon, who was named for his Ultimate Fighter finale counterpart.