Former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou has tragically died of cancer at the age of 34.
The Canadian had been battling stage 4 liver cancer with only a select few people knowing the truth about his illness.
Theodorou has sadly died at the age of 34
The Canadian fighter passed away after suffering with stage 4 liver cancer
An MMA veteran, he competed in 22 bouts, beginning his career with 11 successive victories before moving to the UFC where he had an 8-3 record.
Having made his professional debut in 2011, Theodorou earned a UFC contract by winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2014.
He recorded some high-profile victories in his career after coming out on top against the likes of Eryk Anders, Dan Kelly, Cezar Ferreira and Sam Alvey.
He became known for being an advocate for the use of medicinal marijuana in combat sports and made made history by becoming the first fighter to receive a therapeutic use exemption for medical cannabis that was granted by the British Columbia Athletic Commission.
Following a loss to Derek Brunson in 2019, he was released by the promotion before going on to compete in Prospect Fighting Championships.
His last fight came in December last year when he beat Bryan Baker by unanimous decision at Colorado Combat Club 10.
Theodorou as an MMA veteran. who competed in the UFC between 2014 and 2019 before his release
He was also an advocate of therapeutic use exemption for medical cannabis
Sadly, ten months after that most recent win, he has died.
Since news of his death emerged, stories of his charismatic personality have been shared, including the time he was a 'ring boy' for all-female organisation Invicta in 2018.
"RIP Elias Theodorou," Jeff Novitzky, the vice president of athlete health and performance at the UFC said. "A great person and a HUGE voice for the more fair and equitable treatment of marijuana use in MMA and sport."
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