UFC title challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson is dead at age 38

Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died aged 38 after a lengthy battle with an undisclosed illness.

The ex-fighter was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September 2021, but withdrew due to a health problem.

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

On Saturday night, it was confirmed that the UFC star had lost his battle with the disease.

“Rumble, he’s having some health issues at the moment. It’s very sad,” Abdelaziz said during an ESPN interview in October. “I think, I want everyone to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He is very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.’

While he never specified what the illness was, ‘Rumble’ opened up about the situation and explained how he was sick to fans on social media.

Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died at 38

Saturday night it was confirmed that the UFC star had lost his battle with an unspecified illness

His post read: ‘I really wish I could go into detail about how sick I really am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing. I’ve never been so scared of anything in my life, but I’ve stayed strong with the support of friends and family.”

Johnson twice challenged for the light-heavyweight title in the UFC, losing both times to the 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.

Johnson twice challenged Daniel Cormier for the light-heavyweight title in the UFC

At his peak, he defeated world champions such as Glover Texeira and Ryan Bader, as well as beating Jimi Manuwa and Alexander Gustafsson. His most recent appearance was a light-heavyweight Grand Prix fight with Jose Augusto Azevedo, which he won by second-round knockout in May 2021.

Tributes from the UFC world poured in on social media after the news.

Cormier paid his respects on social media, writing: ‘Rest in peace my brother. For a man who struck fear into the hearts of so many people, Anthony Johnson was a caring person.

‘From random text to check-ins on loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Terrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble’

Tributes from the UFC world, including Cormier, poured in after the news broke

American MMA fighter Michael Chiesa posted: ‘RIP Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson. One of the most prolific KO performers our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

UFC commentator John Gooden added: “Heartbreaking to hear of the tragic news that Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has passed away.

“I have a poster of him by my desk that looks powerful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Johnson reportedly had two children from a previous relationship.