Introduced yesterday and later confirmed by sources near Theodorou, UFC vet and TUF winner Elias ‘The Mane Occasion’ Theodorou handed away this weekend after a personal battle with liver most cancers.
A widely known and beloved determine within the sport, Theodorou blazed trails as an athlete, hashish advocate and feminist. Upon the announcement of his dying, his fellow fighters joined media personalities and followers in celebrating his 34 years of life.
Chief among the many bereaved have been his former co-workers below the UFC. Quite a few ranked fighters supplied private tales, just like the emotional video posted by welterweight staple Michael Chiesa and the non-public tales by shut buddy and fellow Canadian fighter Aaron Jeffery. Tears forming, Chiesa recounted a time the place, in want of a proper jacket earlier than a presser, Theodorou actually gave him the shirt off his again with out hesitation.
“He took his jacket off and gave it to me,” Chiesa stated. “I by no means received the possibility to offer it again to him, however that’s simply the kind of man he was.”
This can be a very troublesome put up to jot down. Elias was an enormous brother to me. My MMA huge brother. He helped carry me up within the sport. Laid extra beatings on me than most likely anybody else ever will. pic.twitter.com/Sxaz5K6PDa
— Aaron Jeffery (@aajmma) September 12, 2022
A affable competitor, his mourners embody Former and present champions like Aljamain Sterling and Demian Maia amongst different MMA staples and even former opponents like Thiago Santos. Many tributes quote his type nature and agreeable perspective.
Very unhappy to listen to about Elias Theodorou . RIP
— Demian Maia (@demianmaia) September 12, 2022
Wow. Loss for phrases on listening to the information on one of many nicest guys I’ve met on this sport. #RIP Elias. That is saddening
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 12, 2022
Prayers and condolences exit to the household and pals of @EliasTheodorou so usually individuals combat and we don’t see it, simply as usually we don’t even know. RIP Elias, stylish to the tip I’m so sorry that we, the MMA group didn’t no about your hardest combat ever pic.twitter.com/nSbzd6tZRp
— Large John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) September 12, 2022
I am unable to imagine! horrible information! RIP my buddy Elias Theodorou it’s was a pleasure to share the octagon with you my brother
— Thiago “Marreta” Santos (@TMarretaMMA) September 12, 2022
The primary official “ring boy” for MMA promotion Invicta FC, their official twitter web page together with Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp penned quick tributes.
You have been such an exquisite soul. All the time so type and such a vibrant mild on this world. This information is devastating. You’ll be vastly missed, however by no means forgotten. Fly excessive, Elias! #RingBoy pic.twitter.com/tHP9jv41JU
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) September 12, 2022
One of the vital charismatic fighters the MMA world has ever seen, Theodorou made quite a few pals within the media world. A frequent visitor on Ariel Helwani’s broadcasts, the revered journalist was fast to supply his condolences amongst different figures.
I received to know Elias Theodorou over time, speaking to him for tales just like the one for The Athletic about his quest for a marijuana TUE. One factor that caught me about him was his ardour and honesty and his whole willingness to be his personal man in all methods. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/dfTehEuIBO
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) September 12, 2022
RIP to among the finest individuals I’ve ever met…Elias Theodorou. Unimaginable Fighter, Buddy, Position Mannequin, Ring-Boy and Athlete. Gone approach too quickly. This man was such a vibrant mild. pic.twitter.com/zqnIUq8Hro
— Adam Hunter (@AdamComedian) September 12, 2022
Within the interview I requested Elias what he considered being an enormous betting favourite towards Narvaez, and he admitted that the betting odds have been one thing he considered earlier than his fights. Only a very sensible thoughts for the sport. He would have made a superb commentator or analyst. https://t.co/mAycdkfJxo
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) September 12, 2022
UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Well being and Efficiency Jeff Novitsky supplied each condolences and a name to motion. Crediting Theodorou’s constant advocacy for marijuana use for athletes. He known as for WADA to take away the plant from their reserved substances checklist.
Within the reminiscence of our man @EliasTheodorou…what the hell are you doing @wada_ama!? Time to acknowledge your YEARS of errors and take marijuana off the prohibited checklist. Keep on with stopping unfair athletic benefits vs weighing in on social points. https://t.co/mPyqlQvwJH
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) September 12, 2022
