https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mm...er-cancer.html

Former UFC star Elias Theodorou has died aged 34.

The Canadian passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer, having not made his illness public before his death.

Theodorou, who competed in the UFC 11 times before his release in 2019, boasted an record of 19 wins and three losses in MMA, but departed the sport's premier promotion after Dana White claimed it was unlikely he would become a top five fighter after defeat to Derek Brunson.

Theodorou was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer, and lost his battle over the weekend.

He fought as recently as last December, defeating Bryan Baker by unanimous decision at Colorado Combat Club 10.

Theodorou won The Ultimate Fighter: Nations middleweight tournament early in his career and boasts victories over the likes of Bruno Santos, Roger Narvaez and Cezar Ferreira.

He was also a strong advocate for the use of medical cannabis in combat sports.