Bas Rutten

Bas Rutten, born on February twenty-four, nineteen sixty-five, is a renowned Dutch and American actor, as well as a former mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and professional wrestler. His illustrious career in kickboxing saw him compete in sixteen matches, achieving an impressive fourteen victories by knockout, with thirteen of those in the first round. However, his final two bouts ended in defeat, including a notable loss to Frank Lobman for the European Muay Thai title in nineteen ninety-one, where he was knocked out in the first round.

In the realm of mixed martial arts, Rutten made a significant mark as a UFC Heavyweight Champion and a three-time King of Pancrase world champion. After experiencing a submission loss to Ken Shamrock in nineteen ninety-five, he concluded his MMA career on an extraordinary unbeaten streak of twenty-two fights, comprising twenty-one wins and one draw. One of his signature techniques was the liver shot, both as a punch and a kick, which he popularized in the MMA community.

Following his tenure in Pancrase, Rutten transitioned into Japanese professional wrestling and has since become a prominent color commentator for various martial arts organizations, including Pride and Karate Combat. His television presence was solidified as the co-host of Inside MMA on AXS TV from two thousand seven to two thousand sixteen. In addition to his commentary work, Rutten has taken on the role of coach in MMA and has authored several instructional materials.

Recognized for his contributions to the sport, Rutten was ranked as the fourth-greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time by Inside MMA in two thousand eight. His legacy was further cemented with his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in two thousand fifteen and the International Sports Hall of Fame in two thousand eighteen.