Anthony 鈥淩umble鈥 Johnson, an MMA light heavyweight fighter who went 23-6 in his career, has died. He was 38.
Bellator MMA announced Johnson's death on social media on Sunday. A Bellator spokesman said Johnson had been ill for more than a year.
鈥淭he BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,鈥 .
During his career, Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions. His last fight was in May 2021.
In September 2021, Johnson that he needed 鈥渁s many prayers as I can get鈥 and was in a battle, noting it was 鈥淣OT COVID.鈥 On May 17, Johnson posted on Instagram that he had gotten good news from his doctor, saying there were 鈥渂ig improvements.鈥
But in late October, Johnson's manager spoke to ESPN, saying that Johnson was 鈥済oing through some health problems right now ... he's not doing well."
Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and MMA fighter, , saying 鈥渇or a guy who struck fear into so many peoples (sic) heart (he) was a caring person.鈥
鈥淔rom random text to check ins during loss,鈥 Cormier said. 鈥淲hat a person he was ... sometimes life doesn鈥檛 seem fair.鈥
Johnson fought in the UFC from 2007 to 2017, most notably losing twice to Daniel Cormier in light heavyweight title bouts. Johnson competed in three weight classes for the UFC and established a reputation as a powerful puncher and a fan favourite for his aggressive, striking-based approach in MMA.
Johnson retired in 2017 from the UFC after his second title loss to Cormier, but he returned to competition with Bellator for one bout in 2021 before his health problems worsened.