MMA fighters are people of exceptional health. To successfully perform in the octagon, an athlete needs colossal endurance, fortitude and the ability to take a hit. Anthony Johnson had all these qualities, however, neither physical strength nor the right way of life can save a person from certain ailments.

Until recently, the famous American lit up at Bellator, but last fall he had to take an unexpected break. Anthony focused on the fight for his own life – but, unfortunately, the athlete failed to win in an unequal battle.

The disease killed the athlete in just a year. A terrible tragedy in the world of MMA.

“Ask for nothing but prayers”

American MMA fighter Anthony Johnson (23-6) gained wide popularity while performing in the UFC promotion. The athlete spent most of the fights in this organization. For his ability to send opponents into deaf knockouts, the American was given the nickname Rumble. 17 times the opponents defeated by him could not hold out until the final siren.

Several times Johnson got to the UFC before the title fight, but every time the belt slipped out of his hands. Anthony missed his last chance in 2017, when he lost again to Daniel Cormier. After that, Rumble decided to end his career, but, like many fighters, later changed his mind. Four years later, Anthony returned to MMA by signing with Bellator.

Anthony Johnson / Photo: © Josh Hedges / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

Johnson made his debut fight in this promotion in May 2021. In this fight, he defeated Jose Augusto Azeveda in signature style, knocking out the Brazilian in the second round. The next opponent of the American was supposed to be Vadim Nemkov, but due to health problems, Johnson was forced to withdraw. Last September, Anthony even asked fans for help, urging them to pray for his recovery.

“I’m sorry I can’t tell you in detail how ill I really am. Just know that I need all your prayers and God willing, we will see you in 2022. I have never been so afraid in my life, but I remain strong thanks to the support of friends and family. I ask for nothing but prayers. Hope to see you in 2022. This will be a battle and I will have to dig deeper than ever before. Love you all,” Johnson wrote on his social networks.

“My heart is broken”

In May of this year, there was hope that Anthony would be able to overcome an unnamed disease. The athlete himself shared the good news with the fans, saying that “big improvements” had come. But happiness did not last long. Already in October, the athlete’s manager Ali Abdelaziz reported bad news.

– Grohot has health problems now. It is very sad. I want everyone to pray for him. He is not doing well, but he is very strong spiritually, pray for him. Anthony, be strong, many people love you, — quotes the words of the manager edition of ESPN.

But Johnson failed to overcome another crisis. Two weeks after the words of Abdelaziz, it became known that Anthony lost the fight for his life to a serious illness. This was announced by the Bellator promotion in their social networks.

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Anthony (Rumble) Johnson. The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing, and our condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the promotion said in a post.

Anthony Johnson / Photo: © Josh Hedges / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

All this time, the disease from which Johnson suffered was hidden from the general public. But after the fighter’s death, Yahoo! Sports reported that the athlete died due to organ failure caused by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

The news of Anthony’s passing shocked the mixed martial arts community. The 38-year-old fighter could still compete in MMA, but fate decreed otherwise. One of the most touching messages on the occasion of the death was written by former Johnson opponent Glover Teixeira.

“I am so sad to hear this news. One of the toughest and most intimidating opponents I’ve ever faced in combat, and one of the humblest and nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. My heart is broken. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Rumble,” wrote the former UFC champion.