The Ultimate Fighter’s inaugural season featured Stephan Bonnar as a finalist, and his fight with Forrest Griffin greatly increased interest in mixed martial arts, know about his nickname
Stephan Bonnar, a legendary UFC fighter, passed away at age 45.
The Hall of Famer passed suddenly on Thursday, and reports indicate that he suffered difficulties with his heart. Due to his rivalry with Forrest Griffin, Bonnar is largely recognised for having ignited an increase in interest in mixed martial arts. The battle, which took place in the 2005 finale of The Ultimate Fighter, is widely credited with saving the ailing promotion from failure. Despite losing the light-heavyweight match, Bonnar bounced back to triumph in his following three UFC contests.
Stephan Bonnar Nickname The American Psycho Meaning
Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar was given the nickname due to blood pouring from his head in almost every fight, he failed to back down. He well deserves the name of the famous book.
Despite losing to marquee opponents Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, as well as Robert Griffin in a rematch, Bonnar won eight of his 15 UFC fights. Additionally, Bonnar tested positive for illegal substances twice, including during his final UFC match versus Silva. In 2014, he made a comeback to the ring with Bellator, but Tito Ortiz defeated him and he never fought again. A year earlier, Bonnar and Griffin had been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Tributes pour in for the MMA legend.
Dana White, the president of the UFC, stated: “Stephan Bonnar was one of the most significant competitors to ever compete in the Octagon. His confrontation with Forrest Griffin altered sports history, and he will always be remembered. Fans adored him, could identify to him, and he always gave his all for them. We will miss him.”
Over the course of his nine-year UFC career, Bonnar solidified his persona as “The American Psycho,” and the first Ultimate Fighter finals were crucial to the organization’s introduction to the general public. Griffin was one of many champions Bonnar faced off against, along with Rashad Evans, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva.
In his 24 MMA matches, Bonnar has lost nine times, and won 15 times. Out of his fifteen wins three were by knockout, seven were by submission, and the other three were by decisions.
Rest in peace, Stephan Bonnar.