Anthony Johnson, a Bellator fighter and two-time UFC title challenger, has died. Check out Anthony Johnson cause of death in this article.

Anthony Johnson : Cause of death | How did die

Johnson was an American mixed martial artist. He competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he was a multiple time title challenger, and Bellator MMA in the light heavyweight division.

Anthony Johnson : Cause of death | How did die

Born Anthony Kewoa Johnson
March 6, 1984
Dublin, Georgia, U.S.
Died November 13, 2022 (aged 38)  
   Other names    Rumble
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)

He was mainly known by his nickname, Rumble, which he was given because of his one-punch knockout power.

He was the number 1 ranked light heavyweight contender in official UFC rankings, and was ranked number 2 in the world by Sherdog and ESPN, before his retirement in April 2017.

Johnson came out of retirement in May 2021, defeating Jose Augusto by knockout in what would be his final fight of his life.

Anthony Johnson Cause of death 

Bellator MMA announced Johnson’s death on social media on Sunday. A Bellator spokesperson said Johnson had been ill for more than a year.

Anthony Johnson : Cause of death | How did die

“The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the announcement said.

During his career, Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions. His last fight was in May 2021.

In September 2021, Johnson posted on Instagram that he needed “as many prayers as I can get” and was in a battle, noting it was “NOT COVID.” On May 17, Johnson posted on Instagram that he had gotten good news from his doctor, saying there were “big improvements.”

But in late October, Johnson’s manager spoke to ESPN, saying that Johnson was “going through some health problems right now … he’s not doing well.”

Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and MMA fighter, expressed his condolences on social media, saying “for a guy who struck fear into so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person.”

Anthony Johnson : Cause of death | How did die

“From random text to check ins during loss,” Cormier said. “What a person he was … sometimes life doesn’t seem fair.”

How did die 

The ex-fighter was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September 2021 but pulled out due to a health issue and lengthy battle with an unspecified illness. 

The health problem persisted over the past year and his manager Ali Abdelaziz had asked fans as recently as last month to ‘pray’ for the fighter. 

It was confirmed Saturday evening that the UFC star had lost his battle with the illness. 

‘Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad,’ Abdelaziz said during an ESPN interview in October. ‘I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.’

Anthony Johnson : Cause of death | How did die

Although he never specified what the illness was, ‘Rumble’ opened up on the situation, explaining how he was sick to fans on social media. 

His post read: ‘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.’ 

Johnson challenged for the light-heavyweight belt in the UFC on two occasions, both times losing to all-time great Daniel Cormier. 

They first met in 2015 at UFC 187 after Jon Jones was forced out, before a rematch at UFC 210 in April 2017 with Cormier winning both by submission.

By Rishabh

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