Mixed martial arts fighter Elias Theodorou passed away on September 11th, 2022, after battling colon cancer that metastasized. His family announced the sad news of his passing in a statement, calling Elias “The Spartan” Theodorou a hero who passed peacefully at home with loved ones in his corner. He was only 34 years old, but his legacy as a fighter and cannabis advocate will be remembered for years to come.
Theodorou’s UFC Career and Cannabis Advocacy
Theodorou was a professional mixed martial arts fighter who fought for UFC before leaving in 2019 with a 16-3 record overall and an 8-3 record in the sport’s top league. He fought his last bout in December 2021, beating Bryan Baker at an event called Colorado Combat Club 10. Theodorou’s career in MMA was remarkable, but his advocacy for medical cannabis use by professional athletes was even more notable.
In 2020, Theodorou became the first Canadian athlete to receive a cannabis exemption for professional sports. The following year, he secured a similar exemption in Colorado, making him the first pro athlete in the U.S. to do so. These victories for cannabis use in sports led to the UFC and the United States Anti-Doping Agency adopting similar stances. Theodorou’s efforts on behalf of athletes who use cannabis will undoubtedly continue to impact the sports world for years to come.
Theodorou’s Impact on the Toronto Marijuana Community
Theodorou was also an active member of the Toronto marijuana community. He was the “chief access officer” for Leafythings, a cannabis platform that helps Canadians find delivery services and dispensaries. He fought for other fighters by lobbying the Association of Boxing Commissions to recognize a committee of fighters and retired athletes to give them a voice in matters of fight regulation. His contributions to the cannabis and sports industries are immeasurable.
Theodorou’s Life Beyond the Cage
Before he became a professional MMA fighter, Theodorou graduated from Toronto’s Humber College with a degree in creative advertising. He then pursued acting, stunt work, and modeling, appearing on the cover of several romance novels published by Toronto-based Harlequin Books. Theodorou’s life beyond the cage was as interesting and varied as his career in MMA.
Remembering Elias Theodorou
Theodorou’s family remembered him Monday as “eternally, irrationally, and infectiously optimistic.” He was a fighter in every sense of the word, and his legacy as a cannabis advocate and MMA athlete will be remembered for years to come. MMA promoter UFC remembered Theodorou as an “affable Toronto native” who made an impact in his 34 years, one that won’t be forgotten. Sports lawyer Erik Magraken wrote Monday that Theodorou’s victories for cannabis use in sports “led to a remarkable legacy Elias created.”
