MMA Twitter mourns the loss of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
On Sunday news broke that MMA legend Anthony “Rumble” Johnson had died at 38. Multiple names across the MMA industry took to social media to express condolences for Johnson and his family.
Ariel Helwani confirmed the news shortly after the rumors began circulating on social media.
“Horrible news: Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away today,” he tweeted. “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.”
Horrible news:
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 13, 2022
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
Ali Abdelaziz, Johnson’s manager also commented on the passing.
“I’m heartbroken right now,” he tweeted.
I’m heartbroken right now 🥲
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) November 13, 2022
MMA community reacts to news about Anthony Johnson’s death
MMA fighters took to Twitter to share their condolences for Johnson.
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
Crushed and devastated to learn that @Anthony_Rumble has passed away. AJ was one of the good guys, he was a great man with a huge heart. God Bless you AJ, I will miss you my brother. RIP Rumble
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) November 13, 2022
Noooo! 💔 RIP Rumble https://t.co/ikwd4RoDK7
— Jalin Turner (@JalinTurner) November 13, 2022
Rumble Johnson passed away 🥲 the MMA community lost a legend and I will continue to pray for his family 🙏🏾
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) November 13, 2022
Absolutely heartbreaking
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) November 13, 2022
MMA lost a great one https://t.co/bPrxOGQu1Q
Rip rumble 😔
— RobFont (@RobSFont) November 13, 2022
RIP Anthony Johnson. So sad 😢 pic.twitter.com/XPicS2jlkn
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 13, 2022
💔💔💔😭😭😭 RIP @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/HH6YqXNJAL
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) November 13, 2022
Man this is heartbreaking 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/8aoEyToKFP
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) November 13, 2022
Rest easy Rumble 🕊️✨
— Randy Brown (@TouchNgo_) November 13, 2022
RIP Rumble 🙏 ❤
— Jake Hadley (@JakeHadleyMMA) November 13, 2022
Always worked to be a better man. Life can be short . Never forget to enjoy and appreciate! RIP @Anthony_Rumble !#RUMBLEsquad 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/JbdR855nQr
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 13, 2022
wild...so young.
— Mike “Beast Boy” Davis (@MikeDavisMMA) November 13, 2022
This was my Pro debut, and you gave me so much knowledge and courage... I appreciate you.
Rest in Peace.
Prayers go out to your family. pic.twitter.com/DhFlvfuCBh
Incredibly saddened by the news. Rumble, you were one of the coolest and most realest human I’ve ever met. You gave me so much invaluable advice throughout my career and I can’t believe you’re gone. 💔
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) November 13, 2022
Rumble forever 💙 pic.twitter.com/mqQYvFI62m
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) November 13, 2022
RIP 🙏🏻 https://t.co/Fojwm55bNS
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) November 13, 2022
Damn...
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) November 13, 2022
Praying for his family.. https://t.co/OgwQIPWjHx
Johnson’s last bout occurred at Bellator 258 when he defeated Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros via knockout in the second round. This was a quarterfinal bout in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix. Johnson was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an unspecified illness.