MMA star Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson dies at 38

Mixed martial arts star and Bellator light heavyweight contender Anthony "Rumble" Johnson died at the age of 38, the promotion announced Sunday.

🙏 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
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 13, 2022

No cause of death was immediately announced. Johnson had been battling an illness for an extended period of time, according to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani.

Many members of the MMA community shared their reactions to the news of Johnson's death.

Utterly shocked and saddened by this. RIP. Sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones. https://t.co/y9PGfRa9JI
— michael (@bisping) November 13, 2022

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 #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH2SO1dPj7
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 13, 2022

"Rumble" was revered for his ability to stop opponents with his devastating power. He established a 23-6 record that was highlighted by 17 knockouts during his pro career.

Johnson had two stints in the UFC, first joining the promotion as a welterweight from 2007-12 before returning to the company as a light heavyweight from 2014-17. He rose to the No. 1 ranking in the 205-pound division and fought twice for the title, losing both times to Daniel Cormier.

The Dublin, Georgia, native notched notable wins over Glover Teixeira, Alexander Gustafsson, and Ryan Bader during his UFC career.

Johnson announced his retirement after losing his 2017 title bout to Cormier at UFC 210. He would ultimately return to the cage with a new promotion, securing a second-round knockout win over Jose Augusto at Bellator 258 in May 2021. He was scheduled to fight Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov in October 2021 but was forced to withdraw from the match due to an undisclosed illness.