MMA light heavyweight fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has passed away at the age of 38.
Johnson most recently fought at Bellator 258 on May 7th 2021, a contest he won via KO in the 2nd round vs. Jose Augusto Azevedo to run his professional MMA record to 23-6.
While the cause of his death is currently unknown, a BELLATOR spokesperson did confirm that Johnson had been ill for more than a year.
Back in September of 2021, Johnson announced on his social media accounts that he was in the midst of a health battle but that it was “not COVID” related.
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier took to social media to express his condolences to the Johnson family stating “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”.
The 6’2” native of Dublin, Georgia fought some of the biggest names in the sport during his time with the World Series of Fighting, UFC, and BELLATOR promotions. Sporting victories over the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Ryan Bader, and Glover Teixeira, Johnson was able to climb the UFC ranks quickly, twice earning title shots in the Light Heavyweight division.
Numerous current and former fights took to social media to express their condolences Sunday as news of Rumble’s passing spread.
Johnson’s family & agent have yet to issue a statement and are currently asking for privacy during this time.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner