![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/ex-ufc-star-anthony-rumble-johnson-dies-aged-38-after-long-illness/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/0_UFC-210-Weigh-in.jpg&description=Anthony Johnson challenged for the UFC light-heavyweight title but has struggled with his health in recent yearsAnthony Johnson has passed away at age of 38Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson has passed away at the age of 38 after lengthy battles with an unspecified illness. The ex-fighter was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September of last year, but pulled out due to a health issue that persisted over the past year. His manager Ali Abdelaziz had asked fans as recently as last month to "pray" for the fighter, and it was confirmed this evening that he lost his battle with illness. 'Rumble, he's going through some health problems right now. It's very sad,' Abdelaziz said during an ESPN interview in October. 'I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It's not going well. He's very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.' Last year, Johnson explained how sick he was during a social media post, which read: 'Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I'll see you in 2022 God willing. Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I've remained strong with the support of friends and family.' There will be more to follow on this breaking sports news story - we'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE. Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name. Follow The Mirror on Google News - CLICK HERE and click the star Follow The Mirror on Apple News - CLICK HERE available on Apple devices Follow The Mirror on Flipboard - CLICK HERE and click follow Follow us on Twitter @MirrorFootball - the official Mirror football Twitter account - for){kind=link}
Anthony Johnson challenged for the UFC light-heavyweight title but has struggled with his health in recent years
Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has passed away at the age of 38 after lengthy battles with an unspecified illness.
The ex-fighter was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September of last year, but pulled out due to a health issue that persisted over the past year. His manager Ali Abdelaziz had asked fans as recently as last month to “pray” for the fighter, and it was confirmed this evening that he lost his battle with illness.
“Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad,” Abdelaziz said during an ESPN interview in October. “I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.”
Last year, Johnson explained how sick he was during a social media post, which read: “Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing. Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family.”