Former UFC light-heavyweight title candidate Anthony “Rumble” Johnson died at the age of 38 following a protracted illness.

Due to a health concern, the former fighter withdrew from the Bellator light-heavyweight championship battle that was set to take place in September 2021.

Also read: Anthony Johnson, former UFC fighter, dies aged 38 after long battle with unspecified illness

Who was Anthony Johnson?

Anthony Kewoa Johnson born on March 6, 1984, in Dublin, Georgia, was an American mixed martial artist. 

His grandparents, who officially adopted him at age 2, raised him. His grandfather and football player Walter Payton served as his early heroes. He attended West Laurens High School before enrolling on a wrestling scholarship at Susanville, California’s Lassen College, where he won the junior college national championship.

Also read: Who was Budd Friedman, The Improv comedy club founder, dead at 90?

He worked as a bouncer after college and began mixed martial arts at the age of 20 after a friend suggested it because of his wrestling experience.

He participated for Bellator MMA in the light heavyweight class as well as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he repeatedly challenged for titles. His one-punch knockout ability was well-known.

Prior to his retirement in April 2017, he was listed as the top light heavyweight contender in the official UFC rankings and as the second-best fighter in the world by Sherdog and ESPN. Johnson knocked out Jose Augusto as he came out of retirement in May 2021.

Also read: Aaron Carter died without a will, son Prince to inherit estate: Reports

After battling health issues for a long time, Johnson died on November 13, 2022, according to the announcement.

Johnson founded Competitive Body Development, a CBD oil business, after competing in martial arts. Johnson was hired by the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship as the head of fighter relations in early 2019.