Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, a former MMA fighter, passed away at age 38.

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, an MMA light heavyweight competitor with a career record of 23-6, has passed away. He was 38.

Johnson’s passing was reported by Bellator MMA on social media on Sunday. According to a Bellator representative, Johnson has been ill for over a year.

The statement in the announcement read, “The BELLATOR family is grieved by his untimely departure and we express our condolences to his family and friends during this terrible time.

Johnson had six decisions and 17 knockouts during the course of his career. His final match occurred in May 2021.

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

The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/TqZzN1wquY

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 13, 2022

However, Johnson’s manager told ESPN in late October that Johnson “is not doing well right now” and was “going through some health challenges.”

A two-time Olympian and professional mixed martial artist named Daniel Cormier sent his sympathies online, stating that “for a guy that instilled fear into the hearts of so many peoples (sic) (he) was a loving person.”

From chance texts to check-ins during losses, according to Cormier. What a man he was. Life doesn’t always seem fair.

From 2007 until 2017, Johnson competed in the UFC, losing twice to Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title. For the UFC, Johnson competed in three weight classes, earning a reputation as a fierce puncher and a fan favorite for his direct, striking-based style of MMA.

Johnson left the UFC in 2017 after losing his second belt to Cormier, but he made a brief comeback in 2021 with Bellator before his health issues got worse.