Bonnar also trained in Muay Thai during several trips to Thailand. Early career īonnar began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Carlson Gracie during the summer of 1999, under whom he received his purple belt.
He attended and graduated from Purdue University in 2000, earning a degree in sports medicine. 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. 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. Early life and education īonnar was born in Hammond, Indiana, and raised in Munster, Indiana, attending Munster High School. 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. Bonnar competed as a Light Heavyweight in the UFC for most of his career.
Stephan Patrick Bonnar (Ap– December 22, 2022) was an American mixed martial artist.
