Former UFC Star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Dies at 38

He last fought for the UFC in 2017 and competed in the welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight classes.
Former UFC Star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Dies at 38
Former UFC Star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Dies at 38 /

Former MMA fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who fought in UFC from 2007 to ’17, died on Sunday, Bellator MMA announced. He was 38 years old.

“It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson,” Bellator MMA said in a statement. “The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Johnson posted a professional fighting record of 23–6, with 17 wins via TKO. His last UFC fight was against Daniel Cormier in UFC 210 for the light heavyweight championship. His most recent bout was on May 7, 2021, at Bellator 258.

“He was always a great kid,” UFC president Dana White said of Johnson, per Iole. “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.”

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Nick Selbe
NICK SELBE

Nick Selbe is a programming editor at Sports Illustrated who frequently writes about baseball and college sports. Before joining SI in March 2020 as a breaking/trending news writer, he worked for MLB Advanced Media, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. Selbe received a bachelor's in communication from the University of Southern California.