The MMA community mourns as Elias Theodorou is no longer with us.
Theodorou Dies From Cancer At Age 34
The 11-fight UFC veteran and TUF Nations winner died on Sunday from his battle with cancer, sources confirmed with Middle Easy. Theodorou would keep his health a secret as he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer, according to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter. Word of the fighter’s drastic diagnosis was only known to a few people close to him.
Theodorou may have passed away at 34 years old, but he leaves a great legacy behind him. ‘The Spartan’ accomplished quite a lot in his decade-long MMA career.
The Canadian has made history multiple times when it comes to the fight game. In 2021, he became the world’s first-ever cannabis sanctioned pro athlete at Rise FC 6. That’s not the only precedent he set. Theodorou would also become combat sports’ first ‘ring boy’, where he held cards between rounds in MMA fights.
Don’t let the title of ‘ring boy’ distract you, Theodorou had a near-perfect UFC run and was a ‘TUF’ champ. Theodorou would win ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Nations’ tournament back in 2014. Theodorou went 8-3 as a UFC fighters, with wins over Eryk Anders, Sam Alvey, and Cezar Ferreira.
Theodorou was released by the UFC in 2019, following a decision loss to top contender Derek Brunson. Theodorou died while on a 3-fight win streak, with his last fight being on December 18, 2021.
The MMA Community Mourns The Fallen Fighter
During this time, the Middle Easy team sends their condolences to those close to Elias Theodorou and so does the MMA community. See how the world reacted to the heartbreaking news below.
Michael Chiesa
Rest In Peace my friend. @EliasTheodorou pic.twitter.com/r51KnalsHL
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) September 12, 2022
Aljamain Sterling
Wow. Loss for words on hearing the news on one of the nicest guys I’ve met in this sport. #RIP Elias. This is saddening
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 12, 2022
Kelvin Gastelum
Horrible news to see, Canada lost a great one 🇨🇦
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) September 12, 2022
Miesha Tate
Damn #RIP 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/xTTJY1Kjrg
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) September 12, 2022
Jeff Novitsky
RIP Elias Theodorou. A great person and a HUGE voice for the more fair and equitable treatment of marijuana use in MMA and sport.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) September 12, 2022
Michael Bisping
Always a great guy. Polite, respectful and a great sense of humor. RIP. Was shocked when I saw this. Sincere condolences to his loved ones. https://t.co/zVdzkIsfdC
— michael (@bisping) September 12, 2022
Aiemann Zahabi
It was always a pleasure to be with @EliasTheodorou, the man had such a positive view on life. His smile was infectious, every time I saw him he had me smiling and laughing. May you Rest In Peace my brother!
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) September 12, 2022
Shannon Knapp
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! #RingBoy pic.twitter.com/tHP9jv41JU
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) September 12, 2022
Aaron Jeffery
This is a very difficult post to write. Elias was a big brother to me. My MMA big brother. He helped bring me up in the sport. Laid more beatings on me than probably anyone else ever will. pic.twitter.com/Sxaz5K6PDa
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022
Nobody would ever guess it by looking at him but he was one of the toughest fuckers on this planet. Also one of the goofiest fuckers on this planet (last video of me catching him talking to himself in the mirror 😂❤️). pic.twitter.com/GQMBnq7C4b
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022
Such a good dude, generous, free spirit and always good energy. We will miss you brother #TheManeEvent #fuckcancer pic.twitter.com/AK7VTywfkY
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022
Miss you already pic.twitter.com/wKlyhtNba7
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022
❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/T5wMsBcL85
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022