The 11-fight UFC veteran and TUF Nations winner died on Sunday from his battle with cancer, sources confirmed with Middle Easy. Theodorou would keep his health a secret as he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer, according to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter. Word of the fighter’s drastic diagnosis was only known to a few people close to him.
Theodorou may have passed away at 34 years old, but he leaves a great legacy behind him. “The Spartan” accomplished quite a lot in his decade-long MMA career.
The Canadian has made history multiple times when it comes to the fight game. In 2021, he became the world’s first-ever cannabis sanctioned pro athlete at Rise FC 6. That’s not the only precedent he set. Theodorou would also become combat sports’ first ‘ring boy’, where he held cards between rounds in MMA fights.
Don’t let the title of ‘ring boy’ distract you, Theodorou had a near-perfect UFC run and was a ‘TUF’ champ. Theodorou would win ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Nations’ tournament back in 2014. Theodorou went 8-3 as a UFC fighters, with wins over Eryk Anders, Sam Alvey, and Cezar Ferreira.
Theodorou was released by the UFC in 2019, following a decision loss to top contender Derek Brunson. Theodorou died while on a 3-fight win streak, with his last fight being on December 18, 2021.