During his career, Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions. Their last fight was in May 2021.
WASHINGTON — Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, an MMA light heavyweight fighter Joe went 23-6 in his career., is dead. He was 38 years old.
Bellator MMA announced Johnson’s death. on social media on Sunday. A Bellator spokesman said Johnson had been ill for more than a year.
“The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing and we offer our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the announcement said.
During his career, Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions. Their last fight was in May 2021.
In September 2021, Johnson Posted on Instagram that he needed “all the prayers I can get” and that he was in a battle, noting that it was “not COVID.” On May 17, Johnson posted on Instagram that he had received good news from his doctor, saying that he had “made a big improvement.”
But in late October, Johnson’s manager told ESPN, Stating that Johnson “was going through some health issues right now … he’s not well.”
Daniel Cormier, two-time Olympian and MMA fighter; Expressed condolences online.saying, “For a man who struck fear into the hearts of so many (he was) a caring person.”
“From random texts to checking in during a loss,” Cormier said. “What a man he was… Sometimes life just doesn’t look good.”
Johnson competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2017, losing twice to Daniel Cormier, most notably for the light heavyweight title. Johnson competed in three weight classes for the UFC and established a reputation as a powerful puncher and fan favorite for his aggressive, strike-oriented approach to MMA.
Johnson retired from the UFC in 2017 after losing his second title to Cormier, but returned for a bout with Bellator in 2021 before his health issues worsened.
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