UFC fighter Elias Theodorou has died, aged just 34

The Mixed Martial Arts world is united in grief over the Canadian's passing.

UFC star Elias Theodorou has died at the age of 34 following a battle with liver cancer. The Mississauga native decided not to make his illness public, but reports had suggested that he was battling stage four liver cancer. Theodorou stopped fighting for Dana White back in 2019, choosing to fight in regional events instead. His last fight was back in December against American Bryan Baker. He fought for the sport’s largest promotion on 11 times throughout his career, winning eight times and losing just three. He reached 16-2 after a split decision win over Eryk Anders, in December 2018, but defeat to Derek Brunson, five months later, was his last ride with the UFC. [caption id="attachment_358399" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Elias Theodorou died aged 34 (Picture: Getty)[/caption]

'R.I.P brother'

The confirmation of his death came yesterday, and tributes immediately began pouring in from around the world of mixed martial arts for the middleweight, who was ranked at 13 before his contract was ended in 2019. UFC kingpin White joined others in paying homage to Theodorou, writing "RIP Elias Theodorou" on a tributing Instagram post.

John Kavanagh, coach to Conor McGregor and Johnny Walker, among others, wrote, 'So sad. Top man. R.I.P brother'. Shannon Knapp, president of the Invicta Fighting Championships also posted a heartbreaking 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!"

Belal Muhammad added: "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." [caption id="attachment_358398" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Tributes for Elias Theodorou have been pouring in (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]