On Sunday, Anthony Rumble Johnson’s death was publicized by Bellator MMA on social media. Johnson has been struggling with a medical condition for almost a year.
Johnson had 17 knockouts and 6 decision wins during the course of his career. In May 2021, he had his last bout.
From 2007 until 2017, Johnson competed in the UFC. He is most known for his two light heavyweight championship bouts with Daniel Cormier. Johnson competed in three weight classes and developed a reputation as a formidable puncher and a fan favorite for his aggressive, striking-based style of MMA.
UFC showed a moving video montage honoring Anthony Johnson at UFC Vegas 65. 38-year-old Johnson died on November 13th due to organ failure from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is a rare disorder of the immune system.
During the broadcast of UFC Vegas 65, the UFC paid tribute to the athleteby presenting a collection of Johnson’s finest UFC performances. Former multiple-division champion Daniel Cormier also tweeted a tribute about Johnson after hearing of his passing.
Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 13, 2022
“Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble”
UDC president Dana White also sent his sympathies to Anthony Johnson’s friends and family.
“He was always a great kid. He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family.”