Grigory Ponomarev Dies Suddenly at Age 31: The MMA World Is in Shock

Grigory Ponomarev has died at just 31 years old: the world of mixed martial arts is mourning the loss of the Siberian fighter, a former AMC Fight Nights heavyweight world champion.

“Grizzly,” as the Russian fighter—who stood over two meters tall and weighed more than 120 kilos—was nicknamed, died of a sudden embolism triggered by a blood clot. This was reported by Russian media.

After becoming world champion in 2022, Ponomarev retired in August 2023 following a serious knee injury sustained during his match against Mukhomad Vachaev. After his MMA career, he became a cosmetologist in Moscow and also competed in arm-wrestling championships.

Among the first to pay tribute to Ponomarev was Yusup Shuaev, his great rival between 2022 and 2023: “My strongest opponent, who had ultimately become a good friend, has passed away. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”