Former MMA Fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Dead At 38 After Battling Serious Illness

Former MMA Fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Dead At 38 After Battling Serious Illness

UFC icon Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died.

According to the official Twitter account of combat sports promotion Bellator MMA, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson passed away on Sunday (Nov. 13).

Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson

The tweet began with:

“It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.”

They continued,

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

Attached to the tweet was also a memorial photo of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, remembering the skilled athlete for his legacy and contribution to the fighting industry. Last year, Johnson took to his Instagram to briefly open up about a sickness that he was battling but indicated that he couldn’t go in-depth about the status of his health at the time.

In September 2021, he wrote:

“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.”

It is being reported that Johnson suffered organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a rare immune disorder by the name of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Before his retirement in 2017, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson was deemed the number 1 ranked light heavyweight contender in official UFC rankings and number 2 in the world by Sherdog and ESPN.

He returned to the professional ring in May 2021 and defeated José Augusto. Throughout his 23-win career, he only took 6 losses.

Long live the King of the Rumble.

We send our deepest prayers and condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Johnson.

What was your favorite match with Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson? Let us know in the comments below!