FORMER UFC star Elias Theodorou has died aged 34.
A host of tributes have poured in across social media after the news was confirmed that the Canadian had lost his fight with liver cancer.
Theodorou had 22 pro MMA fights and ended his career with a record of 19-3.
That included a run of 8-3 in Dana White’s UFC promotion.
The late grappler won The Ultimate Fighter Nations Middleweight tournament and earned notable victories over names such as Cezar Ferreira, Dan Kelly, Sam Alvey and Eryk Anders.
Theodorou made his professional debut in the octagon back in 2011 and immediately embarked on an 8-0 streak.
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That earned him a contract with UFC but he exited the MMA promotion eight years later after a unanimous decision loss to Derek Brunson.
He then recorded three-straight victories after returning to working at regional events, and he secured a unanimous decision triumph over Bryan Baker last December in his final ever fight.
Theodorou was also well-known for his use of medicinal marijuana in combat sports and, in 2020, he became the first fighter to receive a therapeutic use exemption for medical cannabis after it was granted by the British Columbia Athletic Commission.
The much-loved star also captured the headlines by serving as a “ring boy” at an Invicta FC event in 2018.
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