Stephan Bonnar

Stephan Bonnar first hit the UFC in the premiere edition of Ultimate Fighter. He did so well on the show, just losing the final fight by a narrow margin to Forrest Griffin, that he was given a UFC contract despite finishing second in the competition. Since then the light heavyweight has had six UFC fights and compiled a record of 4-2. He became a regular participant of UFC Ultimate Fight Night last year, until a suspension and two straight losses slowed the progress of the well-rounded mixed martial arts fighter.

Bonnar wrestled in high school and won a Golden Gloves out of Chicago, as well as training in Thailand in Muay Thai kick boxing. He also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Carlson Gracie, where he achieved a black belt. He’s won the Ironheart Crown Light Heavyweight championship, and the Total Fight Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship.

Bonnar was one of UFC’s brightest young stars until August 2006 when he lost the Ultimate Fighter 2 championship to Rashad Evans, and then fell again to Forrest Griffin. Before that he was 9-2, but going into UFC 73 his record was 12-4, if you include the Ultimate Fighter bouts. After the Griffin fight, he tested positive for steroids, which he claims he took for an injured elbow. A nine-month suspension followed and it looked as if Bonnar would fall by the wayside in a talented light heavyweight division.

Bonnar was given another chance to prove himself in UFC 73. He faced the very capable veteran Mike Nickel. Nickel is not quite the calibre that Bonnar has faced in the past, and it showed, with Bonnar taking a rear naked choke victory in the first round, improving to 13-4.

It seems that the “American Psycho” is back in business. His fan base has fallen off from what it once was, but he can win that back too if he continues to demonstrate his skills like he did against Nickels. He has certainly earned another fight or two over the next year.