Former UFC star Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson has died at just 38 years old

Former UFC star Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson has passed away at the age of 38.

Bellator MMA has confirmed Johnson had been sick for more than a year.

"The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," a statement said.

Johnson was one of the most prolific and entertaining fighters in the history of UFC, having battled with the likes of Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, and Alexander Gustaffson.

He was a five-time performance of the night winner in the UFC and will long be remembered as one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history.

Johnson challenged for the UFC light heavyweight championship on two occasions, but sadly lost both times against Daniel Cormier.

His second bout against Cormier in 2017 would end up being his retirement bout from UFC competition.

Four years later, he returned to MMA competition in Bellator, earning a knockout victory over Jose Augusto.

He was scheduled to fight in the organisation’s 205-pound tournament but was forced to withdraw due to health issues that remained private.

‘Rumble’ was best known for his stints in UFC between 2007 to 2012 and 2014 to 2017.

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

RIP Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/TYAu2wxn2u

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) November 13, 2022

His professional MMA record was 23-6 with 17 wins coming by way of KO/TKO.

The MMA community was rocked by the news as tributes came flowing in by way of social media.

Johnson’s former rival Daniel Cormier wrote: “Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many people's 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.”

UFC welterweight fighter Michael Chiesa said: ‘RIP Anthony “Rumble’ Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Horrible news:

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away today. He was 38 years old.

Johnson had been battling an illness for quite some time.

One of the hardest hitters and most talented fighters in MMA history. Gone way too soon.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/t5mVvRaNih

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 13, 2022

UFC presenter Caroline Pearce said: “Beyond saddened to hear the news that Anthony Johnson has passed away age 38. I had the pleasure of interviewing Rumble a few times and loved his energy. One of the most devasting finishers our sport has seen. RIP.”

Terrance McKinney said: “Rumble Johnson passed away. The MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family.”

MMA fans also rushed to send their condolences.

One wrote: “Shocked by the news about Anthony Johnson. Gone so young. Man was the scariest dude in MMA for a while. I remember losing it watching him murk dudes live. He truly had an aura of anticipation and intimidation in his prime. One of the best to never win a UFC Title.”

Another said: “Anthony Johnson will forever be remembered as one of the hardest punchers we've ever seen.

“Rest in peace Rumble.”

A third said: “One of the hardest hitters to grace the octagon, Rest Easy Rumble.”

RIP Rumble.