UFC and Strikeforce veteran Benji Radach has died at the age of 45, with his passing confirmed by family members and MMA Fighting, though the cause of death remains unknown.
UFC and Strikeforce veteran Benji Radach has died at the age of 45. His family broke the news on Facebook, with confirmations from his stepmother and brother.
Reports were later verified by MMA Fighting on Monday. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Radach was a stalwart in the fight game since his debut in 2001. Known for his toughness, he faced numerous opponents over the years.
Starting his career with a perfect 10-0 record, Radach signed with the UFC in 2002. He fought three times there, achieving a 1-1 record with one no contest.
Interestingly, Radach’s debut knockout win was overturned. The Louisiana Athletic Commission ruled he held onto the cage before the finish.
He secured his first official UFC win against Nick Serra, Matt Serra’s younger brother. However, he then lost to Sean Sherk and left the promotion.
In 2007, Radach joined the IFL, fighting six times within a year. He amassed an impressive 5-1 record there, defeating fighters like Brian Foster and Gerald Harris.
Radach also competed in Elite XC, where he knocked out Murilo Rua. Rua is notably the older brother of UFC Hall of Famer Mauricio Rua.
Later, Radach fought in Strikeforce against notable names such as Ovince Saint Preux and Scott Smith. His final bout occurred in 2015 when he lost to Ben Reiter in Bellator.
Outside the ring, Radach had a heroic moment in 2004. While having breakfast with Dennis Hallman, he stopped a robbery at gunpoint by tackling the assailant and knocking him unconscious until police arrived.
Benji Radach’s legacy extends beyond his fights. His bravery and resilience will be remembered by many in the MMA community.