Irish MMA icon Paul Redmond posts tribute to Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson after former UFC legend’s tragic death
RETIRED Irish MMA star Paul Redmond has taken to social media as he paid tribute to the late Anthony Johnson.
'Rumble' tragically passed away on Sunday after a long battle with an undisclosed illness as the MMA community plunged into mourning.
Team Ryano legend 'Redser' made his UFC debut on a card headlined by the American back in 2015.
Rumble Johnson defeated hometown favourite Alexander Gustafssson in front of 30,000 fans that night at the Tele3 Arena, but was applauded by the Stockholm crowd after his TKO win during the 'UFC on Fox' card.
Redmond who now commentates for Cage Warriors shared the red corner with Johnson during fight week in Sweden, and praised the former UFC and Bellator star for his good humour and fun personality.
The Dubliner took to twitter after he heard the news of the legends passing.
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He shared a picture with teammate Neil Seery and the late Johnson.
The heartfelt post read: "Just saw Anthony Johnson has passed away, what an absolute gentleman, had the pleasure of being in the red corner all week at UFC Sweden with him, serious craic, Funny guy taken way too soon.."
Earlier this year, Johnson's manager Ali Abdelaziz revealed that his problems with illness were getting worse and that people should pray for his well-being.
Abdelaziz said in an ESPN interview: "Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad.
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"I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him."
He had partly explained to his fans that he was struggling with his health in a social media post that read: "Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am.
"Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing.
"Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family."
38-year-old Johnson competed from welterweight to heavyweight during his 15-year professional MMA career.
Hard hitting 'Rumble' twice challenged Daniel Cormier for the UFC light-heavyweight title but came up short.
The 29-fight MMA veteran last fought at Bellator 258 before pulling out of a Bellator light-heavyweight title fight last September due to his health.