Ex-UFC star Anthony Johnson has died aged 38 as tributes begin to pour in from across the sport.
Mr Johnson, nicknamed “Rumble”, was known for some prolific knockouts during his UFC career, having managed victories against the likes of Glover Teixeira and Alexander Gustafsson.
The 38-year-old died following a long battle with an unknown illness.
Tribues have poured in following his death, including from former UFC heavyweight fighter Daniel Cormier.
Anthony Johnson
Instagram
Mr Cormier said: "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."
While MMA fighter Michael Chiesa added: "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."
Mr Johnson’s death comes just months after his manager urged people to pray for him.
Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN: "Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad.
"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."
While Mr Johnson had previously wrote on Twitter: "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.
