Anthony Johnson, aged 38, a former UFC Heavyweight fighter, passed away after facing health issues for over a year. Health concerns troubled him for a long time and stayed for a better part of the year in the hospital.
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Widely respected, former UFC star ‘Rumble’ had a great MMA career and a record of 23-6. Having accumulated 17 knockout wins and six through decisions, he last stepped in the octagon in 2017 and later switched to Bellator.
He revealed on Instagram in late 2021 that he was facing health concerns. He also shared a picture with his coach where it is visible how much weight he has lost. Fans and fighters got concerned when they saw him in this shape.
Fighters and celebrities tweet to show their respect
After Anthony Johnson’s passing away on Sunday, fighters used social media to share their emotions and pay respect to Rumble. It was a sad day for the MMA sport.
The former UFC Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson uploaded a story on his Instagram handle – ‘mighty‘ about the devastating news, reminiscing about the wonderful memories and sending his condolences to Rumble’s family.
He wrote, “Devastating news. Hits way to close to home. Praying for your family and loved ones. …”
Ryan Clark, former 2x Superbowl champion, also used his Instagram handle – ‘realrclark‘ to pay homage to the late fighter. He wrote, “Rest Easy Rumble.”
Ariel Helwani tweeted:
Horrible news:
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away today. He was 38 years old.
Johnson had been battling an illness for quite some time.
One of the hardest hitters and most talented fighters in MMA history. Gone way too soon.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/t5mVvRaNih
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 13, 2022
Daniel Cormier tweeted:
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
Glover Teixeira tweeted:
I am so sad to hear about this news. One of the most scary & tough opponents that I had ever faced and one of the nicest and most humble humans I have ever met. My heart is broken. My condolences to his family. RIP #rumblesquad pic.twitter.com/J527ToOtOO
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) November 13, 2022
Terrance ‘Twreck’ Mckinney tweeted:
Rumble Johnson passed away 🥲 the MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family 🙏🏾
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) November 13, 2022
Adrian Yanez tweeted:
I remember jumping out my seat when this happened.. damn.. sucks. https://t.co/cSgIDrNEgx
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) November 13, 2022
Yoel Romero tweeted:
I recovered and now my heart is broken because you won’t be back 💔 pic.twitter.com/Iq0u9q1rCX
— Peoples Champ (@YoelRomeroMMA) November 13, 2022
Michael Bisping tweeted:
Utterly shocked and saddened by this. RIP. Sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones. https://t.co/y9PGfRa9JI
— michael (@bisping) November 13, 2022
Michael Chiesa tweeted:
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
Henry Cejudo tweeted:
Rest in peace Rumble Johnson 🙏❤️ https://t.co/6xmrtg0ZUu
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) November 13, 2022
Chris Weidman tweeted:
RIP Anthony Johnson. So sad 😢 pic.twitter.com/XPicS2jlkn
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 13, 2022
Thus, many UFC personalities were saddened by the loss.
Rumble’s UFC stint
Anthony Kewoa Johnson began his the UFC career in 2007 and fought under contract until 2017. He fought in multiple weight divisions and accumulated a lot of success. He fought many well-known superstars and tasted victory against some of them.
The fight with Kevin Burns was a duology, losing in the first fight and avenging his loss in the second. He lost against ‘The Phenom’ Vitor Belfort. While he stood victorious against ‘The Mauler’ Alexander Gustafsson, he faced Daniel Cormier twice for the title, losing on both occasions.
Highly respected, ‘Rumble’ was one of the best fighters. After UFC he went to Bellator, where he only fought once. If it wasn’t for his health concerns, he could have easily had a lot more success in his professional MMA career.
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