UFC veteran dies at the age of 45

Former mixed martial artist Benji Radach, a well-known figure in the world of MMA, has died at the age of 45. The news was confirmed by Radach’s brother Beau in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Details on the cause of death were not disclosed.

Radach’s career spanned numerous prominent MMA promotions, including UFC, Strikeforce, WEC, Bellator, and the IFL. Between 2001 and 2015, Radach competed in 24 professional fights and earned a reputation as a fierce competitor.

Benji Radach made his UFC debut in 2002

His first UFC fight was an impressive KO victory

Radach made his UFC debut in May 2002 at UFC 37 against Steve Berger. He was initially declared the winner by a 27-second knockout, but Radach’s win was later ruled a no contest after a review revealed that he had been holding the fence during the fight. Just a month later, he bounced back at UFC 37.5, securing a unanimous decision victory over Nick Serra. In September 2002, Radach faced Sean Sherk, but lost by TKO due to a cut, marking his departure from the UFC.

Following his time with the UFC, Radach continued to compete at the regional level before signing with the International Fight League (IFL). Radach fought under the banner of the Los Angeles Anacondas, fighting six times in 2007. During his time with the organization, he amassed an impressive record of 5-1.

Over the next eight years, Radach’s activity in the sport declined. He scored a notable win over Murilo Rua in Elite XC, but then suffered two consecutive losses to Scott Smith and Ovince Saint Preux in Strikeforce. After a five-year hiatus, Radach returned to the cage for his final fight, a unanimous decision loss to Ben Reiter at Bellator 137 in 2015.

Radach once prevented an armed robbery

Outside the cage, Radach gained attention for his heroic actions in 2004 when he foiled an armed robbery. While eating breakfast with fellow UFC veteran Dennis Hallman, Radach intervened in the incident by tackling, disarming, and throwing a punch at the assailant that rendered the robber unconscious until police arrived.

Radach’s contributions to the sport and his memorable moments both in and out of the cage have left a lasting legacy in the MMA community.