Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson, Elias Theodorou: 5 UFC fighters who passed away in 2022

The mixed martial arts community suffered several losses in 2022, most notably Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. On that note, let's take a look at five UFC fighters who passed away in 2022.

#1: Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson

Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson passed away on November 13th at the age of 38 after a lengthy battle with health issues. The two-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger passed away due to organ failure from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is a rare disorder of the immune system.

Johnson was 23-6 in his mixed martial arts career, with 17 of his wins coming via knockout. He spent eight years in the UFC across two stints, compiling a 12-5 record. 'Rumble' retired from mixed martial arts following his title fight loss to Daniel Cormier in 2017, however, four years later he made his return after signing with Bellator.

'Rumble' only had one fight with the promotion, however, as he was forced to withdraw from the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix due to his illness, which was undisclosed at the time. 'Rumble' was targeting a return to the octagon in 2022, however, he was unable to overcome his illness. Johnson was honored by the UFC following his tragic death.

We pay tribute to Anthony "Rumble" Johnson ❤️ https://t.co/E2obbW7FwF

#2: Elias Theodorou

Elias Theodorou was another fighter to tragically succumb to cancer in 2022, as he passed away on September 11th at the age of 34. Like Johnson, Theodorou kept his battle with colon cancer private, however, the disease ultimately spread to his liver and he passed away due to stage four liver cancer.

Theodorou's mixed martial arts career ended with a record of 19-3. He earned his contract after winning The Ultimate Fighter: Nations middleweight tournament and spent five years with the promotion compiling a record of 8-3. Theodorou was cut from the UFC roster following his loss to Derek Brunson despite being ranked over what he attributed to a contract dispute.

It is unclear when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, however, Theodorou last competed in December 2021 meaning that the cancer likely spread very quickly. The UFC paid tribute to Theodorou, alongside his parents.

Honouring the life of Elias Theodorou ❤️

We are proud to have his parents and coach in attendance tonight at #UFCOrlando https://t.co/meSq6nqxc7

#3: Stephan Bonnar

Stephan Bonnar [image courtesy of @shaunalshatti/Twitter]

Stephan Bonnar is the latest former UFC fighter to meet an early demise as he passed away on December 22nd at the age of 45. Bonnar's official cause of death is unknown, however, the UFC suggested that he may have passed due to heart complications.

While there has been speculation that his death may be related to drug usage, particularly following comments made by No.7-ranked middleweight Sean Strickland, there has been no definitive proof to substantiate the claims.

Bonnar retired in 2014 with a professional mixed martial arts record of 15-9. He spent seven years with the UFC compiling a record of 8-7. Bonnar earned his UFC contract after a legendary bout against Forest Griffin in The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Light Heavyweight Tournament Final.

While only the winner was supposed to receive a contract, Bonnar was given a contract despite losing. The fight was named Fight of the Year in 2005 and was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing in 2013 as it is often credited with popularizing the sport of mixed martial arts. Bonnar even named his only son Griffin in honor of his opponent.

#4: Maiquel Falcao

Maiquel Falcao [image courtesy of Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images]

Maiquel Falcao tragically passed away on January 23rd at the age of 40 after being stabbed outside a bar in Pelotas, Brazil, the city where he was born and raised. Falcao last competed in 2019, finishing his career with a record of 40-19 (1).

He had just one fight with the UFC, defeating Gerald Harris by unanimous decision at UFC 123 in 2010. Less than two weeks after the bout, he was arrested upon returning to Brazil for an incident that occurred in 2002 in which he assaulted a woman outside a nightclub.

Falcao was sentenced to 24 months of house arrest at the time, however, he moved to a new home after eight months. While his move wasn't an issue at the time, his detainment brought his arrest to the spotlight, leading to his release from the promotion.

Falcao joined Bellator in 2012, winning the Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament and earning a middleweight title opportunity. Less than six months after losing the title fight, Falcao was cut from the Bellator roster after starting a gas station brawl. It remains unclear if his killer has been arrested or charged.

#5: Alexander Pisarev

Alexander Pisarev [image courtesy of @sean_cardo/Twitter]

Alexander Pisarev passed away from food poisoning on October 30th at the age of 33 after reportedly eating a poisoned watermelon. Pisarev had just five professional mixed martial arts fights, compiling a record of 3-2.

He last competed in 2020 in an event titled RCC: Road to the PFL, which was co-promoted by the PFL. While Pisarev was not as well-known as the other fighters listed, his death made headlines due to the strange cause. It is unclear if there was any foul play involved in his passing.