Former UFC fighter and “TUF Nations” winner Elias Theodorou has died.
Theodorou died Sunday after a battle with cancer. Sources who knew Theodorou confirmed the news to MMA Junkie after various reports of his death surfaced online. Theodorou had n’t publicly revealed his illness prior to his death. according to TSN journalist Aaron Bronsteter, Theodorou was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer.
From 2014-2019, Ontario’s Theodorou competed 11 times in the UFC. His career in the international spotlight kickstarted when he won “TUF Nations” with a knockout of Sheldon Westcott. He went on to defeat names like Cezar Ferreira, Sam Alvey, Eryk Anders, and Trevor Smith. His only three promotional losses came against perennial contenders Thiago Santos, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson.
After the loss to Brunson in May 2019, Theodorou was released from the UFC. Despite Theodorou’s lopsidedly successful UFC record (8-3), promotion president Dana White said the decision to part ways was based on the unlikelihood Theodorou would become a top-five fighter.
Theodorou took his release in stride and vowed to reinvent himself to increase his finish rate. He went 3-0 after his departure, with his most recent win in December over Bryan Baker.
In the later years of his career, Theodorou became a vocal advocate for destigmatization and allowance of medical cannabis. In January 2020, he became the first professional athlete to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for it.
Theodorou also served as a “ring boy” for Invicta FC and was featured on “The Amazing Race Canada, Season 3” in 2015.
Aaron Bronsteter
Sadly, a representative of Elias Theodorou has confirmed earlier reports that he has passed away at age 34.
Theodorou was privately battling Stage 4 liver cancer and had only told a select group of people of his diagnosis.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 12, 2022
Elias Theodorou
A member of the @InvictaFights family has sadly passed from his battle with cancer. Our sincere condolences to his friends and family. Elias was truly a kind, humble and charismatic personality who will be missed greatly by all. #RingBoy pic.twitter.com/20nkgnLZgU
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) September 12, 2022
caposa
Awful, completely shocking news. Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Elias Theodorou. You truly never know the battles people are fighting. RIP https://t.co/EWPj7bqQgd
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) September 12, 2022
Adam Hunter
RIP to one of the best people I’ve ever met…Elias Theodorou. Incredible Fighter, Friend, Role Model, Ring-Boy and Athlete. Gone way too soon. This guy was such a bright light. pic.twitter.com/jKwhdMeOYp
— MMA Roasted (@MMARoasted) September 12, 2022
Fight Network
We are sad to hear of the passing of Elias Theodorou.
A great friend of the Fight Network family, and one of the most beloved personalities. He will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/BpgbxBCN4B— Fight Network (@fightnet) September 12, 2022
Dana White
UFC President Dana White make his tribute to TUF Nation Winner Elias Theodorou who passed away by câncer today. pic.twitter.com/XUcupuy1uM
— Bruno Massami (Бруно Массами) (@BrMassami) September 12, 2022
Kelvin Gastelum
Horrible news to see, Canada lost a great one 🇨🇦
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) September 12, 2022
Javid Basharat
This is so sad , I met him at Xtreme Couture and he was such a nice guy I had no idea he had cancer 😞
— Javid Basharat (@JavidBasharat) September 12, 2022
Tanner Boser
Oh man, It’s so sad to hear about Elias Theodorou. May the Rest In Peace.
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) September 12, 2022
Jessica Moran (Theodorou representative)
Life is not fair.
— Jessica Moran (@JessMMMoran) September 12, 2022
Chris Curtis
Took a nap to wake up and find out Elias Theodorou has passed. Way to young. You will be missed my guy. #LONGLIVETHESPARTAN
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) September 12, 2022
Bryan Baker (Theodorou’s final MMA opponent)
Kevin Iole
Oh my Lord, just saw the horrible news that Elias Theodorou has passed away at only 34. He was an amazing and kind person. Just devastated to hear this. Rest in peace.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) September 12, 2022
T.J. De Santis
Super sad hearing this news. I hadn’t seen Elias since COVID hit but he was always the nicest guy who was full of joy. https://t.co/NqaZNtLyPX
— TJ De Santis (@TJDeSantis) September 12, 2022
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