Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died at the age of 38.
Johnson was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September of last year. But withdrew last year due to an ongoing health problem from this title. Ali Abdelaziz was told by his manager last month to “pray” for the fighter. And it was confirmed that he had lost his battle with illness this evening.
UFC’s Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Causes of Death
Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died after lengthy battles with an unspecified illness at the age of 38. The rest of the details surrounding Johnson’s death are yet to be released.
“Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad,” said Abdelaziz his manager during an ESPN interview in October. “I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.”
Johnson explained last year how sick he was during a social media post, which read: “Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing. Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family.”
UFC’s Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson’s Early Life
His most famous wins in UFC are beating world champions such as Glover Texeira and Ryan Bader, as well as defeating the likes of Jimi Manuwa and Alexander Gustafsson. His latest excursion was a light-heavyweight Grand Prix session with Jose Augusto Azevedo which he won by knockout in the subsequent round back in May of 2021.
Johnson challenged for the light-heavyweight belt in the UFC in two events, twice losing to all-time extraordinary Daniel Cormier.
Former UFC superstar Jake Shields said “Just heard the sad news they Anthony Rumble Johnson has passed away. RIP brother,” while Terrence McKinney said “Rumble Johnson passed away. The MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family.”