Former UFC fighter Anthony Johnson has passed away at the age of 38 after a long battle with illness. Nicknamed ‘Rumble’, he was known as one of the best knockout artists during his championship days.
He was due to compete for the Bellator light heavyweight title in September 2021, but withdrew with an unspecified illness that persisted before his death was confirmed Sunday night.
Johnson revealed in a social media post last year that he was suffering from his illness. “I really wish I could go into detail about how sick I really am,” he said. “I just know that I need as many prayers as I can and I will see you in 2022 God willing. I have never been so afraid of anything in my life, but I have stayed strong with the support of friends and family.”
Last month, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, asked fans to pray for Johnson in his battle. “Rumble, he’s going through some health issues right now. It’s very sad,” Abdelaziz told ESPN. “I think I want everyone to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. It’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.”
Tributes have poured in for Johnson as UFC fans and fighters have paid their respects. Former champion Daniel Cormier took to social media to express how much Johnson meant to him. “Rest easy my brother,” he wrote.
“For a guy who struck fear into the hearts of so many people, Anthony Johnson was a loving person. From random text messages to bereavement check-ins. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble”.
Current UFC fighter Michael Chiesa also tweeted about Johnson’s passing and was in awe of his talent. “RIP Anthony” Rumble “Johnson”, he wrote it. “One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers are with his family and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Johnson’s most famous victories saw him defeat world champions such as Glover Texeira and Ryan Bader, as well as Jimi Manuwa and Alexander Gustafsson.
His most recent fight was a light heavyweight Grand Prix fight with José Augusto Azevedo in 2021, which he won via second-round knockout.
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