Former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou passes away at the age of 34

11 September 2022

Former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou passed away at the age of 34. The news was reported first by BJPenn.com and it was noted that Elias battling cancer. The Canadian fighter had stage 4 Liver cancer and had not revealed his condition to the public. 

One of the most notable names in Canadian MMA, Elias held a record of 19-3 to his name. A TUF: Nationals Tournament winner, Elias was part of the UFC roster till 2019. He started his professional MMA career back in 2011 and fought in promotions like HKFC, SFS and BFC before joining the UFC. After making his debut in the UFC in 2014, Elias was an active name on the roster and built up a record of 8-3 to his name. He holds wins over names like Sam Alvey, Cezar Ferreira, and Eryk Anders among others. 

Elias was then released from the UFC in 2019 after his loss to Derek Brunson at UFC Fight Night 151. He then fought three more times and made headlines by being a ring boy for Invicta Fighting Championship. Elias was also an advocate for medical cannabis. Elias was also the first professional athlete to compete with an exemption for the use of medical cannabis in professional sports in the United States. He achieved the same when he competed at the Colorado Combat Club promotion back on December 18, 2021. Elias went on to secure a decision against Bryan Baker at the event which also was his last MMA fight.

ALSO READ | Elias Theodorou To Be First Professional Athlete to Compete in USA with TUE

Elias competed and triumphed as a "cannabis athlete" in March 2021 at the Rise Fighting Championship 6 against Matt Dwyer after receiving a TUE in Canada in 2020. Prior to the battle, he was able to treat his bilateral neuropathy with cannabis and had legally prescription and federally approved medication. 

Our thoughts are with friends and family of Elias.

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. #RingBoy pic.twitter.com/20nkgnLZgU

— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) September 12, 2022