UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar died of an accidental drug overdose involving Fentanyl, Parafluorofentanyl, and Mitragynine.
Stephan Bonnar passed away from an accidental drug overdose on Dec. 22 in Las Vegas at the age of 45. The Clark County (Nev.) coroner’s office determined the cause of death to be accidental from “Fentanyl, Parafluorofentanyl and Mitragynine intoxication.” Due to medical privacy laws, the coroner’s office declined to provide any additional details about Bonnar’s death.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in the U.S., often resulting from unintentional ingestion. Parafluorofentanyl is an analogue of fentanyl, and Mitragynine is an active compound of the legal painkiller Kratom. The UFC initially confirmed Bonnar’s death, stating that he was presumed to have died from heart complications while the official cause was still pending.
In a September 2021 interview, Bonnar openly discussed his use of opioids, revealing a daily regimen of 30 mg of oxycodone that he used legally to treat long-term injuries from fighting and pro wrestling. He rejected the notion that he abused the drugs after a video he filmed of a hospital confrontation went viral. He later shared that he had nearly died from a severe staph infection and felt fortunate to be alive. Following his passing, the UFC paid tribute to the Ultimate Fighter 1 finalist and Hall of Famer, with Forrest Griffin, the opponent Bonnar famously battled in a fight credited for saving the UFC, leading the tribute.