Elias Theodorou dead at 34: Tributes paid to ex-UFC star after brave battle with liver cancer
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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UFC president White was one of the first to pay tribute to Theodorou following the announcement of his death by writing: “RIP Elias Theodorou.”
A statement from Invicta said: “A member of the @InvictaFights family has sadly passed from his battle with cancer. Our sincere condolences to his friends and family. Elias was truly a kind, humble and charismatic personality who will be missed greatly by all.”
UFC’s play-by-play commentator Brendan Fitzgerald tweeted: “I sat in a hot tub with Elias Theodorou in Moncton, NB, Canada back in 2018. He was fun to talk to… a thoughtful and nice guy. So sad to hear this news.”
Invicta’s president, Shannon Knapp, said: “You were such a beautiful soul. Always so kind and such a bright light in this world. This news is devastating. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Fly high, Elias!”