Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, an MMA light heavyweight competitor with a career record of 23-6, has passed away. He was 38.
Sunday, Bellator MMA revealed Johnson’s passing over social media. A Bellator representative stated that Johnson had been ailing for over a year.
The release added, “The BELLATOR family is grieved by his untimely passing, and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends during this terrible time.”
Anthony Johnson looks on prior to his fight against Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 210 on April 8, 2017 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC sourced from Getty Images.
Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions in his career. His final bout occurred in May 2021.
In September of 2021, Johnson wrote on Instagram that he was ill with the caption “NOT COVID.”
“I really wish I could elaborate on how sick I am,” Johnson wrote. “Please know that I need as many prayers as possible, and I hope to see you in 2022. I’ve never felt this frightened of anything in my life, but with the help of my friends and family, I’ve remained strong.”
On May 17, Johnson announced on Instagram that his doctor had given him encouraging news, stating that there were “significant improvements.”
Johnson’s manager told ESPN in late October that Johnson was “going through some health issues right now… he’s not doing well.”
Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, shared his condolences online, stating, “For a man who instilled fear into the hearts of so many, he was a loving individual.”
Rest in peace, brother. Anthony Johnson was a caring individual despite instilling so much terror in so many individuals. From random text to loss-related check-ins. Rumble was a remarkable individual; he will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. dreadful news @Anthony Rumble: #R.I.P. #Rumblesquad pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc mma) November 13, 2022
Cormier stated, “From casual texts to check-ins amid loss.” What a person he was…sometimes life does not appear to be fair.
Johnson competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2017, most notably losing two light heavyweight title fights to Cormier. Johnson participated in three weight classes for the UFC and earned a reputation as a potent puncher and fan favorite due to his aggressive, striking-based style to mixed martial arts.
Johnson resigned from the UFC in 2017 following his second title defeat to Cormier, but he returned to fight for one bout with Bellator in 2021 before his health problems worsened.