Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson has tragically passed away at age 38.
According to multiple news outlets, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Championship challenger passed away on Sunday after battling what was initially described as an "undisclosed disease", but was later confirmed by Yahoo! Sports to be organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis - a rare disorder that affects the immune system.
The announcement was made by Bellator, the promotion that signed Johnson last year.
"It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson," they wrote in a statement. "The Bellator family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Following the heartbreaking news, other prominent figures in the industry also posted tributes for the late fighter.
Former referee and Bellator commentator John McCarthy tweeted: "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"
"Rest Easy my brother," wrote Daniel Cormier, one of Johnson's most notorious opponents in the Octagon. "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."
In his tribute, Cormier alluded to the fact that Johnson was known for his brute strength - particularly his punches. Seventeen out of 23 of his MMA wins were achieved via knockout but both times he faced Cormier, he lost to a rear naked choke.
In 2017, Johnson eventually retired from his mixed martial arts career to pursue a business venture but it wasn't long before he was back on the scene, now represented by Bellator.
"He was always a great kid," said UFC president Dana White. "He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family."
Our thoughts go out to Johnson's family, friends, and fans at this time.