Former UFC star Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has passed away at the age of 38.
Johnson initially retired from MMA in 2017, but announced his return in 2019. He didn't fight until May 2021 when he knocked out José Augusto Azevedo Barros in the first round of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.
In September 2021, Johnson wrote on Instagram that he had an undisclosed illness that forced him out of his Bellator 268 fight. He said he’s “never been this afraid of anything” in his life.
In late October 2022, Johnson's manager Ali Abdelaziz said Johnson was going through health issues and asked for prayers.
RIP Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy. ------------ https://t.co/TYAu2wxn2u
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) November 13, 2022
Johnson was 23-6 in his MMA career and scored victories over Glover Teixeira, Ryan Bader, Alexander Gustafsson, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, and more. He twice challenged for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Fightful would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of "Rumble" Johnson.
