Who Is Stephan Bonnar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Stephan Bonnar, born on April 4, 1977, was a prominent American mixed martial artist best known for his exciting fights and contributions to the sport. Tragically, Bonnar passed away in December 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of MMA. In 2025, we reflect on his life, achievements, and indelible mark on the sport.
Occupation | Martial Artist |
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Date of Birth | April 4, 1977 |
Age | 45 Years |
Birth Place | Hammond, Indiana, U.S. |
Horoscope | Aries |
Country | India |
Date of death | 22 December, 2022 |
Died Place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Popularity
Stephan Bonnar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his active years in the octagon, Bonnar stood tall at 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) and competed in the Light Heavyweight division. His fighting weight typically hovered around 205 pounds (93 kg), showcasing his physical prowess and athletic abilities. Bonnar was known for his lean physique, which allowed him to deliver powerful strikes and withstand intense grappling exchanges.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of his passing in December 2022, Stephan Bonnar was remembered for his close-knit family ties and deep relationships. He was married to his longtime partner, Andrea, and the couple shared a strong bond over their shared love for MMA and fitness. Together, they raised their children, fostering an environment of encouragement and support toward pursuing their dreams.
Bonnar and his longtime girlfriend were married on October 30, 2009, in Tuscany, Italy. The couple have one son, Griffin Brandon, named after Forrest Griffin and in memory of Andrea's late brother, Brandon Brown.
Net Worth and Salary
Stephan Bonnar's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the time of his passing. His earnings primarily stemmed from his successful career in mixed martial arts, alongside appearances in television and other promotional ventures. Throughout his career, Bonnar was a popular figure who earned a significant purse from his matches and endorsements.
Career, Business and Investments
Bonnar's career in mixed martial arts began in the early 2000s, gaining fame as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 1. He became an icon in the sport, particularly for his epic showdown against Forrest Griffin, which is credited with helping to propel the popularity of MMA. In addition to his fighting career, Bonnar was involved in various business ventures, including MMA training facilities and commentary roles in local promotions. He also ventured into advocacy for sports health and wellness, sharing his insights on injuries and recovery.
Stephan Patrick Bonnar (April 4, 1977 – December 22, 2022) was an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. Bonnar competed as a Light Heavyweight in the UFC for most of his career. Bonnar was the runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter 1; his TUF Ultimate Finale loss to Forrest Griffin is widely considered to be the most important fight in the history of the UFC.
Social Network
Stephan Bonnar remained active on social media platforms, where he shared updates about his life, training, and insights into mixed martial arts. His presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter allowed fans to connect with him, sharing in his triumphs and tribulations. The MMA community still remembers his contributions, with many fans honoring his legacy by celebrating his fights online.
Bonnar mentioned on the MMA Live Post Fight Show for UFC 101 that he was considering a drop down to Middleweight after two disappointing losses at Light Heavyweight. Despite this, Bonnar next faced Krzysztof Soszynski on February 21, 2010, at UFC 110. Soszynski was victorious at 1:04 in the third round, due to TKO (Cut).
Video replays that showed that the cut was opened up by a clash of heads led Bonnar to appeal referee John Sharp's decision. It was announced on March 10 that he had lost the appeal and the result would stand as a TKO win for Soszynski.
Education
Before entering the world of mixed martial arts, Bonnar pursued his education at Purdue University, where he studied health and fitness. His academic background helped shape his approach to training and martial arts, allowing him to bring a strategic mindset into the cage.
Bonnar had an extensive background in combat sports, beginning with wrestling when he was 10 years old, Taekwondo at age 12, Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 22, and then added boxing and Muay Thai when he was 24 years old. He earned his black belt in Taekwondo at the age of 16 and was a two-time Golden Gloves Champion in the super heavyweight division.
He attended and graduated from Purdue University in 2000, where he competed in wrestling, and earned a degree in sports medicine.