Prolific Fighter Dead at 38
(IntegrityPress.org) – Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), one of the most dangerous sports, requires incredible fitness, strength, and toughness from its professional participants to remain competitive. Sadly, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, a well-known star of the sport, just lost his life at 38 following a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Johnson spent most of his professional MMA career fighting in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). There, he took on some of the most recognizable sports figures, including Alexander Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier (twice), and Glover Teixeira. Though he came from a wrestling background, he was known as an elite striker and claimed 17 of his 23 professional MMA wins by way of knockouts.
Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 13, 2022
After parting ways with the UFC in 2017, Johnson came out of retirement to sign a contract with rival promotor Bellator. He competed several times in Bellator matches, but ultimately, the onset of illness forced him to retire again.
Following news of the star’s death, tributes poured in from the MMA community and the wider world of sport. Rival Daniel Cormier was among those to pay their respects, describing Johnson as a “caring person” and stating that “sometimes life doesn’t seem fair.”
Johnson’s two children and his younger brother survive him. May he rest in peace.
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