The 28-year-old former MMA fighter, who fought in UFC from 2007 to 2017, first came forward with his illness in September 2021 and revealed at that time that it was not COVID-19.
- Nov 14, 2022
AceShowbiz - Former MMA fighter Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has sadly left this world. Johnson, who fought in UFC from 2007 to 2017, passed away at the age of 38 after a long battle with an unspecified illness.
Confirming the athlete's death was Bellator MMA on Sunday, November 13. "It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony 'Rumble’ Johnson," so read the statement. "The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Many have since offered their condolences. One in particular was UFC president Dana White, who said, "He was always a great kid. 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."
Fellow MMA artist Daniel Cormier also remembered Johnson. Sharing a photo of the two in during a match, he penned, "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."
Michael Chiesa, meanwhile, noted in a Twitter post. "RIP Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen." He continued, "My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy."
UFC commentator John Gooden lamented, "Heart breaking to learn of the tragic news that Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson has passed away." He further noted, "I have a poster of him by my desk looking powerful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Johnson came forward with his illness in September 2021. Noting that it was not COVID-19, he wrote in an Instagram post, "Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I'll see you in 2022 God willing... Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I've remained strong with the support of friends and family."
Johsnon retired from the UFC in 2017 after his second title loss to Cormier. He returned to competition with Bellator for one bout in last year, but his health problems unfortunately worsened.
