Most of the MMA community knew that Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was dealing with something medically but up until now, the ailment was not made public.
Just hours after his death was announced, we now know what killed him.
According to Kevin Iole, Johnson died of “organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is a rare disorder of the immune system.”
Iole also spoke with UFC president Dana White who said, “He was always a great kid. He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family.”
In Sept. 2021, Johnson let fans into his world explaining that he was sick.
“Not asking for anything but prayers, “ he wrote. “See you in 2022 hopefully. This is gonna be a battle and I’m gonna have to dig deeper than I ever have before. Love you all #RumbleSquad NOT COVID.”
On May 17, 2022, he posted that the “bill of health” had been given by his doctor.
Just weeks before his death, his manager asked for prayers.
“I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. He’s not doing well,” Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN. “They’ve [Bellator and Scott Coker] been supporting him [Anthony Johnson]. You can not imagine how much support they’re giving them and they didn’t really have to.”
Johnson fought in the UFC from 2007 to 2017, most notably losing twice to Daniel Cormier in light heavyweight title bouts. Johnson competed in three weight classes for the UFC and established a reputation as a powerful puncher and a fan favorite for his aggressive, striking-based approach in MMA.
Johnson retired in 2017 from the UFC after his second title loss to Cormier, but he returned to competition with Bellator for one bout in 2021 before his health problems worsened.
During his career, Johnson had 17 knockouts and six decisions. His last fight was in May 2021.
#rumbleyoungmanrumble #rumblejohnson #anthonyrumblejohnson #anthonyjohnson #ripanthonyjohnson #riprumble #riprumblejohnson #organfailure #illness #rumblejohnsondeadat38 #mma #mixedmartialarts #bellator #ufc #danawhite
Source: Associated Press
Follow Me
}
Comments