Former UFC star Elias Theodorou has passed away aged just 34 after losing his fight with liver cancer.
Theodorou fought in the UFC 11 times during his MMA career with eight wins and three losses on his professional record. The Canadian stopped competing in Dana White's promotion back in 2019 and began fighting in regional events with his last outing coming in December against Bryan Baker.
The Canadian had never made details of his long-term illness public but reports had emerged that Theodorou was battling stage four liver cancer. However it was confirmed that Theodorou passed away on Sunday after losing his battle with the disease.
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Tributes have poured in for the UFC middleweight who was ranked at No.13 prior to being released from his contract in 2019. Belal Muhammad wrote: "Wow Rest In Peace." ONE heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar wrote, “This is so damn sad. Never heard a bad thing said about him and blown away he just fought less than a year ago."
UFC kingpin White joined others in paying homage to Theodorou, writing "RIP Elias Theodorou" on a tributing Instagram post. Shannon Knapp, president of the Invicta Fighting Championships also posted an emotional message, writing: "You were such a beautiful soul. Always so kind and such a bright light in this world. This news is devastating. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Fly high, Elias!"
Theodorou began his career in MMA in 2011 and forged an eight-fight win streak following his successful debut in the octagon which earned him a reputation as a rising star. This earned him a contract with the UFC having also won the Ultimate Fighter Nations tournament prior to making his streak in the professional ranks.
His first two outings in the UFC ended in victory but he was handed his first defeat by Thiago Santos in 2015. He bounced back with another two victories over Sam Alvey and Cezar Ferreira before losing again to Brad Tavares in the Ultimate Fighter finale.
He picked up three more UFC victories before losing in his final outing with the promotion against top ten contender Derek Brunson. Theodorou then fought three times as he looked to revive his career and his final bout was a third consecutive win over Baker back in December last year.
Theodorou was also known for campaigning over the use of medical marijuana in the sport, and became the first fighter to be granted a therapeutic use exemption while fighting. He also famously featured as a 'ring boy' going viral after his appearance at an Invicta FC event in 2018.
