Stephan Bonnar is a warrior, he was an awesome legend, he’s was one of the 2 men who saved the UFC from ending along with Forrest Griffin, honestly I’m gonna remember Stephan Bonnar as the living definition of Tough
Absolutely well said my friend. Without Stephen and Forrest Griffin, the sport might not even be here, and the UFC as we know it, would definitely not be here without their ABSOLUTELY EPIC FIGHT on the final of TUF. I always feel that Forrest gets more of the plaudits and he definitely got and gets far more favouritism than Stephan ever did, and that sucks, because although i love Forrest too, it took both of them to put on that fight that got the UFC the tv contract they desperately needed or the Fertittas weren't going to spend anymore money on it. So it's really true that without both guys there wouldn't be a Dana White UFC. So I'm super happy they made this tribute to a true legend of the sport of MMA and the UFC!!! RIP Bro
@@thomasreese23 can't remember but he was struggling alot for a few years before he died, was in and out of hospital and addicted to opiates had him not thinking clearly
... bonnar didnt die from drugs. he died from a staph infection that was inside of his body from a previous surgery. shame on you. the hospital wouldnt treat him because they assumed he was an addict".. you are not better than the hospital that turned him away. idiot. not everything is about addiction. nor should it EVER be mentioned in someones legacy. "THIS ONE GOES OUT TO ALL THE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES THAT HELP BUILD A GLOBAL SPORT AND COULDNT AFFORD BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE AFTER YOUR CAREER IS OVER.. WE'RE HERE FOR YOU TO MAKE A PROFIT OFF YOUR DEATH"
Stephan bonnar will go down in history as one of the men that helped build the UFC to what it is now and for that fight fans should be eternal thankful....rest easy champ.💚🙏🏾
Bonnar can never get enough credit for his contribution to the ufc. That fight with Forrest is a classic and imho the most important fight the company's ever had. Rip🙏😇
He is literally one-half of the greatest fight in UFC history (honorary mention: Henderson vs Shogun). He was a hero to many who felt they had no voice during the lockdowns. Any questioning of the mandates was a moral victory to others.
Rest In Peace To A Legend Who Changed The Game. As his best friend was speaking, it hit me like a brick. When he mentioned that he had named his son after Forrest Griffin, and the camera panned over to his son with his mother looking over at him so proudly, I realized how truly interconnected we all are in life. God Bless Him and every single one of his loved ones. I struggled for a long time, and when I saw him and Forrest fight, I fell in love with the sport. I started training, and it gave my life true purpose again...this time around, I was able to build a network of like minded individuals and successfully combat my demons of addiction. So when I say that we are ALL interconnected...I truly mean it. Love Conquers All. 💙
Interconnected indeed @Sigma. Best thing I've read in a long time! I thought that's what Forrest said in an old vid about feeling bad for Bonnar's kid cause he's saddled w/a terrible name, prob a result of Bonnar's banged brain... 😁(or some such words) Soo fuggin true, and I can identify w/struggle, w/ finding a purpose that pushes me to grow/mature from within. Watching these warriors from early on throughout their careers is inspiringly motivational. Esp the" fire & fuel duo" igniting the MMA/UFC to the world public..and Spike TV that went off in that octagon in April 2005, courtesy of Stephan & Forrest. Much love & respect from Massachusetts. All the best
Bonnar, Griffin 1 is rightly held up as the turning point moment. I watched it broadcast on Spike TV and I remember cheering! Laughing! Flinching and cringing! But most of was the unintentional refrain, How are they still standing? Literally on the edge of my seat, it was the most exciting UFC fight I had ever seen. I'm glad that he was honored in this way.
1 of the greatest things the UFC has ever done for us sick in the head die hards. THANK YOU UFC AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU STEPHAN AND FORREST FOR SAVING THE UFC
I watched THE Stephan-Forest fight live with my older brother... Stephan has become a permanent part of my life, as one of my favorite memories. Love...
Beautiful ceremony and speech, it was an honor to be there ..and I will always remember how TUF1 made a 10 year old me a fan..Stephan and Forest absolute legends these athletes made this sport get to the mainstream.
1st off RIP Stephan you will be missed 2nd and most of all the one thing evetime I see him is the comment from the UFC during the fight and that SO YOU WANT TO BE A ULIMATE FIGHTER he was and is a big reason for the sprot we have today but in the end, I feel so bad for his family and kids may he rest in peace.
His death did come as a shock to me. This tribute has severely dehydrated me from the excessive flow of tears. Life is so bittersweet. Dana White just jumped up a notch or two in my book.
Legend literally, his debut made alot of people tune in at the time and he really was a big part of where we are now. Rest in piece to this warrior, may you have as much wars in the afterlife as you did when breathing.
RIP my old friend In 3rd grade I remember you telling me wwf was fake and you wanted to be a real samurai warrior....... Well my friend you was able to manifest your childhood dream and on top of that become a true inspiration for people across the globe More than a fighter you are an amazing person you had a qorky personality an extremely quick wit and sense of humor anybody's life who you was a part of would second this statement "you are a hero, a real life living breathing superhero who left an impression on this world that can never be forgotten". Love and miss you buddy💗💗💗 your friend Jerome
R.I.P Bonnar. without this mans contributions the sport would not be what it is today, and I would have never fallen in love with it watching TUF 1 I had no idea he named his son Griffen.. that made me tear up
One of the gratest fighters in the world. I remember watching his fights with my dad on weekends, sharing some beers and fastfood. He was insane and my dad enjoy all the energy that he has. Rest in pace Both. We will never forget this amazing fighter. All the best for his family and friends.
"nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. talent will not. nothing is more common than unsuccesful men with talent. genius will not. unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. education will not. the world is filled with educated derelicts. persistence and determination alone are omnipotent . the slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. never give up." - Stephan Bonnar what a quote. ufc needs to put that on a tshirt
RIP to the pioneer Bonnar, what a life, and I have to mention that Forrest did a great job here as well. I met Forrest once as a teenager and asked when his next fight was, he said “I’m not sure, where’s the nearest bar? Maybe it’s now.” lol
Rip Bonnar you will always be a historical figure in the fight game. Your family is blessed to have had such an icon bless there hearts. Hope they recover and and manage through these tough times. God bless 🙏
Was blessed with meeting you at those seminars.. appreciate you showing love to our gym. I still won’t forget that I was the first person to smoke hash with you. You gave us great memories! RIP
I hadn't seen Stephen in years, but I will miss him regardless. He was a genuinely nice, humble person. I'm honored to have known him and gotten to spend some fun times with him. Rest in peace, Mr. Bonnar, from a fellow MHS alumni.
The man was one of the OGs of the UFC. Bless him & I hope wherever he is everyday he is fighting for that belt & doing what he loved to do. Losing too many of these young guys. Too many!
RIP Stephen . any way hope the UFC uses this is a chance to find any Fighters were struggling now that they are alive and tried to put 10% of the effort put into this to save their lives
Can't speak for the ufc. I think they feel the same way though. Dana said he'd take care of whatever his family asks for. He must feel ufc's success was kickstarted/built on his and griffins shoulders.
Facts. I mean he struggled outside of the ufc. Got hooked on pain killers an ect. Dana's rich ass could've gave him some money or arrange a rehab for him.
What a true champion of humanity and his poor Father could barely get his words out as a father of 8 i could not go on for one moment without any one of my babies even though half are grown and have their own families it would still bee unbearable to continue may God hold them all in his guiding light
I have mental illness and it causes me to feel ashamed when I get excited because I can't hold back my joy. When I saw Forrest and Stephan fight live, I was extremely manic and overly excited and loud, lol, my wife at that time, didn't get mad at me and make me be quiet, which sometimes happens. I was so happy to be myself and be happy. Thanks Mr Bonnar, for one of my favorite memories.
exactly, UFC/Dana didn't do anything to help him once he left the company, only now that he dies do they "honor" him for youtube clicks and to virtue signal like they cared. Dana could've saved his life by writing a check. Tyron Woodley did more to help him than Dana/UFC did.
Being someone that is the same age as this guy i couldnt begin to tell you how much this touched me !!!❤ i have been a fan of the ufc since i rented the first 5 ufc events on vhs and when i seen the ultimate fighter on spike tv i was intantly hooked and these guys put everything out tgere for the world to see !!!! Thank you and my condolences go out to all of you that truely knew him !!! He was an amazing dude !!
I think its pretty much one of a kind of a thing where 2 legends are born at The same time, and place, and both of them made each other get the Legend -status. Ive bever seen such event take place, i mean of course The 1st season of ultimate fighter. Bonnar was granited into fight-fans and fighters hearts themselves. Amazing, pure, Stephan Bonnar!
I just wish someone like Stephan which was a major factor to helping the UFC come afloat would had gotten enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life
R.I.P Stephan. LEGENDS NEVER DIE
*Well He Died So He's Clearly Not A Legend... So Thanks For Pointing That Out.*
@@beauaIoevvstfu
Sadly they do but I get what your saying brother. It's nice to read a positive post
@@kuollut 😆😆😆
@@kuollut People die but not legends, their memory will life on after their death. Its ok we know you're not bright but we are here to hold your hand
Stephan Bonnar is a warrior, he was an awesome legend, he’s was one of the 2 men who saved the UFC from ending along with Forrest Griffin, honestly I’m gonna remember Stephan Bonnar as the living definition of Tough
R.I.P Bonnar. An absolute MMA legend that helped build this sport. I am glad the UFC created this tribute for him. Well-deserved!
Absolutely well said my friend. Without Stephen and Forrest Griffin, the sport might not even be here, and the UFC as we know it, would definitely not be here without their ABSOLUTELY EPIC FIGHT on the final of TUF. I always feel that Forrest gets more of the plaudits and he definitely got and gets far more favouritism than Stephan ever did, and that sucks, because although i love Forrest too, it took both of them to put on that fight that got the UFC the tv contract they desperately needed or the Fertittas weren't going to spend anymore money on it. So it's really true that without both guys there wouldn't be a Dana White UFC. So I'm super happy they made this tribute to a true legend of the sport of MMA and the UFC!!! RIP Bro
man seein his daddy up there is what did it for me, now im cryin no parent should have to bury their child, RIP Legend
100%
How did he die again?
@@thomasreese23 can't remember but he was struggling alot for a few years before he died, was in and out of hospital and addicted to opiates had him not thinking clearly
@@thomasreese23 Heart disease, most likely related to his unfortunate love for alcohol.
I believe he was also struggling with a pain killer addiction due to some injuries he never had properly taken care of.
If any of Bonnars friends or family see this. HE WAS AMAZING!!!!!!
Im sure they already knew
The memories of my best friend and I watching UFC together, watching The ultimate fighter 1. RIP to my best friend and Bonnar.
Same here, my man. Lost my best bro, in 2012. We met watching ufc 42.
Love always. To Stephan. Brent and Johnny.. Rosemary and John SR
Rest easy to one of the OGs of the UFC💪Forrest and Stephan fight will always be one of the all time great fights
@@beauaIoevvstfu
Yes that fight will always be number one to me.
amen!
Anyone struggling with addiction watching this tribute, you are loved & things do get better.
... bonnar didnt die from drugs. he died from a staph infection that was inside of his body from a previous surgery. shame on you. the hospital wouldnt treat him because they assumed he was an addict".. you are not better than the hospital that turned him away. idiot. not everything is about addiction. nor should it EVER be mentioned in someones legacy. "THIS ONE GOES OUT TO ALL THE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES THAT HELP BUILD A GLOBAL SPORT AND COULDNT AFFORD BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE AFTER YOUR CAREER IS OVER.. WE'RE HERE FOR YOU TO MAKE A PROFIT OFF YOUR DEATH"
I love that you guys did this for Stephan! Thank you UFC!
Stephan bonnar will go down in history as one of the men that helped build the UFC to what it is now and for that fight fans should be eternal thankful....rest easy champ.💚🙏🏾
@@beauaIoevvstfu
Bonnar can never get enough credit for his contribution to the ufc. That fight with Forrest is a classic and imho the most important fight the company's ever had. Rip🙏😇
He is literally one-half of the greatest fight in UFC history (honorary mention: Henderson vs Shogun). He was a hero to many who felt they had no voice during the lockdowns. Any questioning of the mandates was a moral victory to others.
Stephan Bonnar i grew up with the family. I am so proud of him.
He represented where I grew up
Stephan is missed by many
Love always
Rest In Peace To A Legend Who Changed The Game. As his best friend was speaking, it hit me like a brick. When he mentioned that he had named his son after Forrest Griffin, and the camera panned over to his son with his mother looking over at him so proudly, I realized how truly interconnected we all are in life. God Bless Him and every single one of his loved ones.
I struggled for a long time, and when I saw him and Forrest fight, I fell in love with the sport. I started training, and it gave my life true purpose again...this time around, I was able to build a network of like minded individuals and successfully combat my demons of addiction. So when I say that we are ALL interconnected...I truly mean it. Love Conquers All. 💙
Interconnected indeed @Sigma. Best thing I've read in a long time!
I thought that's what Forrest said in an old vid about feeling bad for
Bonnar's kid cause he's saddled w/a terrible name, prob a result of Bonnar's banged brain... 😁(or some such words)
Soo fuggin true, and I can identify w/struggle,
w/ finding a purpose that pushes me to grow/mature from within. Watching these
warriors from early on throughout their careers is inspiringly motivational.
Esp the" fire & fuel duo" igniting the MMA/UFC to the world public..and Spike TV
that went off in that octagon in April 2005, courtesy of Stephan & Forrest.
Much love & respect from Massachusetts.
All the best
@@mq9893 I'm from Massachusetts as well. It's a small world. 🤙
Rest well to an absolute LEGEND
This made me cry
Bonnar, Griffin 1 is rightly held up as the turning point moment. I watched it broadcast on Spike TV and I remember cheering! Laughing! Flinching and cringing! But most of was the unintentional refrain, How are they still standing? Literally on the edge of my seat, it was the most exciting UFC fight I had ever seen. I'm glad that he was honored in this way.
RIP Stephan. ❤
Humans are better at celebrating the dead than the living; the mere reason is that honoring the dead is mostly celebrating our own feelings.
Miss you legend 😢
Stephan and Forrest reignited the UFC with their fight! Aloha to his loved ones! A hui hou Stephan!
1 of the greatest things the UFC has ever done for us sick in the head die hards. THANK YOU UFC AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU STEPHAN AND FORREST FOR SAVING THE UFC
Seeing Chris Leben older and wiser speaking about Stephan Bonner is amazing. It's almost a miracle. Good for him.
I watched THE Stephan-Forest fight live with my older brother... Stephan has become a permanent part of my life, as one of my favorite memories. Love...
R.I.P to a MMA and UFC Legend. Had the pleasure of meeting you in 2010. RIP
Beautiful ceremony and speech, it was an honor to be there ..and I will always remember how TUF1 made a 10 year old me a fan..Stephan and Forest absolute legends these athletes made this sport get to the mainstream.
1st off RIP Stephan you will be missed 2nd and most of all the one thing evetime I see him is the comment from the UFC during the fight and that SO YOU WANT TO BE A ULIMATE FIGHTER he was and is a big reason for the sprot we have today but in the end, I feel so bad for his family and kids may he rest in peace.
RIP brother. I tried to donate whenever I could. It's really tragic that the wealthy people that could have made a difference never did.
Everyone cares now, but when he needed it the most, no one was there for him.
I'm glad billionaires don't care about poor ones
His death did come as a shock to me. This tribute has severely dehydrated me from the excessive flow of tears. Life is so bittersweet. Dana White just jumped up a notch or two in my book.
Beautiful ceremony! Thank you Dana and UFC for honoring one of the pioneers of this great sport! Rest In Peace Stephan Bonnar❤️
Legend literally, his debut made alot of people tune in at the time and he really was a big part of where we are now. Rest in piece to this warrior, may you have as much wars in the afterlife as you did when breathing.
I remember that season of TUF.. a true warrior. R.I.P.
RIP my old friend
In 3rd grade I remember you telling me wwf was fake and you wanted to be a real samurai warrior....... Well my friend you was able to manifest your childhood dream and on top of that become a true inspiration for people across the globe
More than a fighter you are an amazing person you had a qorky personality an extremely quick wit and sense of humor anybody's life who you was a part of would second this statement
"you are a hero, a real life living breathing superhero who left an impression on this world that can never be forgotten". Love and miss you buddy💗💗💗 your friend Jerome
Bonnar was one half of a moment that changed my soon to he 13 year old self back then forever. He will always be remembered
R.I.P Bonnar. without this mans contributions the sport would not be what it is today, and I would have never fallen in love with it watching TUF 1
I had no idea he named his son Griffen.. that made me tear up
This is so sad. RIP Bonnar
Rip legend 😢😢
Rest in peace to a legend
Couldn't help but shed a tear or 2. I really enjoyed this, learning about Stephan and his life
So sad. RIP brother.
Legend stephan bonnar
Bonnar vs Griffin is one of the top 3 best fights I've ever seen from the UFC
Legendary.
no1 cares, jake paul Iost🥳
One of the gratest fighters in the world. I remember watching his fights with my dad on weekends, sharing some beers and fastfood. He was insane and my dad enjoy all the energy that he has. Rest in pace Both. We will never forget this amazing fighter. All the best for his family and friends.
R.I.P Stephen Bonnar.
An absolutely legend of the sport.
Thank you for the fights and condolences to the Bonnar family.
"nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
talent will not. nothing is more common than unsuccesful men with talent.
genius will not. unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
education will not. the world is filled with educated derelicts.
persistence and determination alone are omnipotent .
the slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
never give up." - Stephan Bonnar
what a quote. ufc needs to put that on a tshirt
RIP Stephan, RESPECT warrior!!!!
Legend 🙏🏆 shoutout to Forrest for being a gentleman, and Rest easy to Stephan
Rip to a legend of the sport and never thought I'd see "you fatherless bastard" and Chris leben in the same room
Thank you Dana for acknowledging and honoring Bonnar. I as an old school fan appreciate it and I'm sure his family does as well. 🙏
RIP to the pioneer Bonnar, what a life, and I have to mention that Forrest did a great job here as well.
I met Forrest once as a teenager and asked when his next fight was, he said “I’m not sure, where’s the nearest bar? Maybe it’s now.” lol
Hearing his dad choke up like that,so gut wrenching.
Rip Bonnar you will always be a historical figure in the fight game. Your family is blessed to have had such an icon bless there hearts. Hope they recover and and manage through these tough times. God bless 🙏
Rip Stephen Bonner. Followed from the start and so glad the ufc decided to do this for a legend that shaped the sport
Rest in heaven Bonnar
Having met Stephan a few times, all I can say is he was a proper gent and truly hilarious!
Top bloke and I'll miss him!
🤘🏻
Forrest told some great stories - RIP Stephan. I remember your fights fondly
RIP Grown up watching this guy RIP childhood legend
One of the first, one of the best.
RIP - One of the greatest fights of all combat sports. Unreal warrior. Gone too soon.
RIP Stephan thank you for giving your everything to the sport! ❤️💪 also give Stephens best friend Thomas a job, what an awesome speaker! 💯
one of my favorite fighters. class act .... true legend..RIP Steph...
Love seeing the ufc show respect and appreciation for one of the pioneers.
Was blessed with meeting you at those seminars.. appreciate you showing love to our gym. I still won’t forget that I was the first person to smoke hash with you. You gave us great memories! RIP
I hadn't seen Stephen in years, but I will miss him regardless. He was a genuinely nice, humble person. I'm honored to have known him and gotten to spend some fun times with him. Rest in peace, Mr. Bonnar, from a fellow MHS alumni.
The man was one of the OGs of the UFC. Bless him & I hope wherever he is everyday he is fighting for that belt & doing what he loved to do. Losing too many of these young guys. Too many!
RIP Stephan Bonner, you are a great fighter.
A special guy for sure .... God Bless his family and friends
1:07 ...i remember watching that live. Definitely Bonnar's best moment in the UFC. Such an awesome stare down of the camera after, too
The speakers were amazing. Rip to a legend.
This was a Beautiful ceremony. . 🙏🏼 RIP .
Greatest fight I ever saw. Griffin vs Bonnar! Saved the UFC, and introduced a whole generation to mixed martial arts. RIP
RIP Stephen . any way hope the UFC uses this is a chance to find any Fighters were struggling now that they are alive and tried to put 10% of the effort put into this to save their lives
Forest and Stephen one of the greatest fights ever if not the best.... Man god must need some worrier's ...
Legend ! he is what made this sport as good as it could be.
Rescpet to UFC for showing up with this.
Finally the UFC did something to honour a legend! Great job!
Should have put this energy into his life, not his death.......Rest in paradise Stephan! Underated Legend to the sport...
Can't speak for the ufc. I think they feel the same way though. Dana said he'd take care of whatever his family asks for. He must feel ufc's success was kickstarted/built on his and griffins shoulders.
Stephan Bonnar was the first guy ever to win even though he lost he fought so hard so much heart they gave him a contract too
Facts. I mean he struggled outside of the ufc. Got hooked on pain killers an ect. Dana's rich ass could've gave him some money or arrange a rehab for him.
@@bobsanchez7342 agreed! Dude struggled and went threw it in his final two years...could have got him the proper help he needed..
Nothing, but just awesome. So well deserved for a great guy R.I.PARADISE young man. Thank you 🙏💐
What a true champion of humanity and his poor Father could barely get his words out as a father of 8 i could not go on for one moment without any one of my babies even though half are grown and have their own families it would still bee unbearable to continue may God hold them all in his guiding light
I have mental illness and it causes me to feel ashamed when I get excited because I can't hold back my joy. When I saw Forrest and Stephan fight live, I was extremely manic and overly excited and loud, lol, my wife at that time, didn't get mad at me and make me be quiet, which sometimes happens. I was so happy to be myself and be happy. Thanks Mr Bonnar, for one of my favorite memories.
Legend!
If he received this kind of love when he was alive he would still be alive
exactly, UFC/Dana didn't do anything to help him once he left the company, only now that he dies do they "honor" him for youtube clicks and to virtue signal like they cared. Dana could've saved his life by writing a check. Tyron Woodley did more to help him than Dana/UFC did.
@@ruin3r he lost his gym because covid
It’s disgusting that they are pretending they cared now
It was suicide? I didn't hear about it. RIP
100%
@@III-vg4dp death of despair basically suicide
I loved watching Bonner fight he was always Bringin it!! he will be missed by many God bring peace to his family
The good die to young, RIP Stephen a legend in MMA
R. I. P. To a true legend and a good man.
You will be remembered.
Gone too soon. This was beautiful. 💯
R.I.P. Stephan Bonnar. 💐🕊️
The first season was captivating and the passion Stephan and Forrest fought will always be in my heart and mind.
Being someone that is the same age as this guy i couldnt begin to tell you how much this touched me !!!❤ i have been a fan of the ufc since i rented the first 5 ufc events on vhs and when i seen the ultimate fighter on spike tv i was intantly hooked and these guys put everything out tgere for the world to see !!!! Thank you and my condolences go out to all of you that truely knew him !!! He was an amazing dude !!
Dude I'm in tears, RIP man.
Still can't believe your gone. You inspired so many people in life. Tears in my eyes goodbye American physio
Heros you'll remember, but Legends never die. Stefan Bonner is a legend.
Thanks for sharing Forest, both legends
I was depressed for 2 weeks after he died i also recently almost took my life
UFC IS WHAT IT IS TODAY BECAUSE OF HIM
I think its pretty much one of a kind of a thing where 2 legends are born at The same time, and place, and both of them made each other get the Legend -status. Ive bever seen such event take place, i mean of course The 1st season of ultimate fighter. Bonnar was granited into fight-fans and fighters hearts themselves. Amazing, pure, Stephan Bonnar!
Really beautiful event in his memory. R.I.P
I just wish someone like Stephan which was a major factor to helping the UFC come afloat would had gotten enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life
He was a guy to remember!!! R.I.P BROTHER!!
This is bloody beautiful. UFC does some good sometimes
Love this set up it was amazing and would love to see Anthony rumble Johnson gave one like this 2