© Getty Images
Elias Theodorou, a former UFC fighter, died of cancer at the age of 34.
Following BJPenn.com’s first news of Theodorou’s death on Sunday (11 September), TSN speculated that the Canadian was quietly suffering from stage 4 liver cancer.
Between 2014 and 2019, Theodorou competed in the UFC, amassing an 8-3 record in the mixed martial arts competition. His UFC career began with a victory on The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia.
After leaving the UFC, Theodorou fought three times in three separate promotions, winning all three times. His most recent bout was a decision victory over Bellator alum Bryan Baker in December 2021. Theodorou’s overall MMA record now stands at 19-3.
On Monday (12 September), UFC president Dana White posted a photo of Theodorou on his Instagram story with the message “RIP,” before a member of Theodorou’s gym verified his death to The Independent.
“Theodorou last fought in December against Bryan Baker, when he was quite proud of becoming the first professional athlete of all-time to compete with a Therapeutic Use Exemption for Medical Cannabis in North America,” TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter tweeted on Monday (first in Canada and then in the U.S.)
“Obtaining the Therapeutic Use Exemption was a years-long mission to which he dedicated his time and resources, and his impact for cannabis athletes will be felt for years to come.”