
When the topic of the UFC Hall of Fame comes up, the discussion rarely fails to include fighters like Jon Jones, Khabib, and Anderson Silva. But the sport was never just about the men and women who competed. It was also about the people who made sure the world knew their stories. Thomas Gerbasi was one of those people.
UFC announced at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, that Gerbasi will enter the Hall of Fame as a Contributor. The promotion will hold the induction ceremony on July 9 during the 14th Annual UFC International Fight Week.
Gerbasi passed away on September 16, 2025, after suffering a heart attack at the age of 57, leaving behind his wife Sonia, whom he had been married to for 31 years, and their daughter Jordan.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas Gerbasi. A distinguished journalist and storyteller, Thomas brought integrity, passion, and respect to his coverage of combat sports throughout his career.
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 17, 2025
His work left a lasting mark on the sport and earned him… pic.twitter.com/T0Kwg4Qd8m
The induction reaction from fighters, coaches, and media figures across the sport showed that this wasn’t an institutional decision; it was a long time coming.
Before joining the UFC, Gerbasi graduated from St. John’s University and made a name for himself as a boxing journalist. He then joined the UFC and ran the official UFC website.
For almost two decades, he worked as editorial director, head writer, and company historian. He was thereby recording and telling the UFC’s story as it happened.
Forever immortalized.
— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2026
We honor Thomas Gerbasi's life, accomplishments, and unmeasurable impact as the author who shaped UFC history.
As UFC's Editorial Director for over 20 years, Gerbasi will enter the UFC Hall of Fame in the Contributor Wing. pic.twitter.com/Js6nCwLQy0
He also wrote several books, including ‘UFC – A Visual History’ and ‘The UFC Encyclopedia’. His boxing-related writing led to his 2022 induction into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame and to the 2024 Nat Fleischer Award. Now, in a few weeks, he will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as well.
1) Why is Thomas Gerbasi important in the history of UFC?
Ans. Thomas Gerbasi is important in UFC history because he contributed to writing, interviewing, and editing for the UFC, documenting its growth over the last 2 decades.
2) What was the reason behind Thomas Gerbasi’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame?
Ans. He was inducted for his major contributions to UFC journalism.
3) To which UFC Hall of Fame wing was Thomas Gerbasi added?
Ans. Gerbasi was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in the Contributor Wing.
4) What was the role of Thomas Gerbasi in the UFC?
Ans. He worked as a UFC Editorial Director and has written thousands of articles, interviews, and fighter-featured articles.
5) What is Thomas Gerbasi Famous for?
Ans. He is best known for his deep dives into UFC stories and for writing books like The UFC Encyclopedia.
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