VIDEO: UFC tribute to Stephan Bonnar
During tonight’s UFC Vegas 67 broadcast from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UFC played a tribute to the late UFC Hall of Famer, Stephan Bonnar.
Bonnar, 45, a finalist on the original season of the UFC’s ‘Ultimate Fighter’ died on December 22. Bonnar and Griffin were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2013 for their fight. The two would face off in the octagon one-year after their pivotal bout, with Bonnar again losing a decision.
“Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon,” stated UFC President Dana White in a release announcing Bonnar’s death. “His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, related to him and he always gave them his best. He will be missed.”
In his career, Bonnar faced seven future or former UFC champions: Griffin, Ortiz, Silva, Evans, Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Mark Coleman. Bonnar named his first son Griffin after his most significant rival, who went on to become a good friend.
His victory over Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 116 was named the Fight of the Night, despite the headlining match being between Brock Lesnar and Shane Garwin.
Family members from both the Bonnar and Griffin families were in attendance on January 14 to witness the tribute.
“The American Psycho” Bonnar is credited with helping to save the UFC from financial ruin.
His Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Finale bout against eventual tournament winner, Forrest Griffin, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Bonnar faced a series of personal challenges in recent years, most recently the destruction of his Las Vegas home in April. Bonnar’s wife, Andrea Brown, posted on Facebook that the couple “lost everything” in the blaze.
Bonnar’s pro MMA record was 15-9.
Following his MMA career, Bonnar took up professional wrestling and made multiple appearances with Impact Wrestling in 2019.
