Ladies and Gentleman in attendance tonight and the millions of UFC fans watching around the world have just witnessed three rounds of the greatest action ever seen inside the Octagon in the history of the UFC. Let’s give a hand for these UFC light heavyweight warriors.”

Ring announcer Michael Buffer right after the conclusion of the April 9, 2005, Ultimate Fighter season one finale fight between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar.

Stephan Bonnar, who lost a close decision to Forrest Griffin in what could be argued was the most important MMA fight ever held in the U.S., passed away on 12/22 from what was believed to have been a heart attack while at work. According to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of death and circumstances are still pending.

Bonnar was 45.

Bonnar’s legacy, his 15 minutes in the cage that night and a few minutes after, will always be tied to the first time UFC was ever live on television. Spike TV made at the time a controversial call to put a UFC show on television, something no other channel would dare try at the time. While largely forgotten, Griffin vs. Bonnar was not the main event on the show (for trivia it was a fight where Rich Franklin beat Ken Shamrock) nor were they really the stars of the first season of the show, who were Chris Leben, Josh Koscheck and Diego Sanchez.

Subscribers can read this week's issue here.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.