Former mixed martial arts fighter Elias Theodoro has kept his cancer diagnosis a secret.
He has now passed away at the age of 34.
“Rest in peace”by Dana White, UFC President.
Elias Theodoro competed as a middleweight in the UFC between 2014 and 2019 before stepping down and continuing his MMA career at regional festivals.
The Canadian fighter has now passed away at the age of 34.
“My heart is broken”
Theodoro had liver cancer but only told those close to him about the disease.
The martial arts world is now in mourning for Theodoro who won eight fights in the UFC and lost three during his career.
“Rest in peace”UFC President Dana White writes on Instagram.
“This is so sad. I never heard a bad word about him.”Former UFC fighter Arjan Bhullar tags Twitter.
“My heart is broken. He has always been wonderful, honest, positive and wonderful. Such a helpful, knowledgeable, wonderful guy. I was lucky enough to know him. I will miss him”signs martial arts reporter Shawn Ross Twitter.
Praised for his fight
Even before he fell ill, Elias Theodoro made himself known to struggle to be allowed to use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Cannabis is classified as a doping drug and Theodoro became the first North American athlete to receive a pre-game medical exemption. CBS covered his fight and granted the license last December, before what might be his last fight against Brian Baker.
“Rest in peace Elias Theodoro. A wonderful person and a huge voice for a fairer cure for marijuana use in MMA and Sports”And the Type Jeff Nowitzki, former vice president of UFC Athletic Health and Development.