MMA Hall of Fame: Bas Rutten

MMA Record: 28-4

Bas Rutten will go down in history as one of greatest ambassadors, not only from what he has done inside the cage but also what he has done and continues to do after his fighting career is long over. The Dutch-born fighter was well known for his striking abilities, and in particular his liver punches and kicks. His popularity has risen since his fighting days, due in large to his TV appearances, in particular his co-hosting gig on HDNet’s “Inside MMA.”

Bas began fighting as a professional in 1993 for the Japanese-based Pancrase organization. He enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in Pancrase, fighting over five solid years accumulating thirty matches and earning the “King of Pancrase” three times. He defeated many notable opponents including Maurice Smith (2), Frank Shamrock (2), Vernon “Tiger” White, and Guy Mezger while fighting in Japan.

In January 1999, Rutten was tabbed to fight at UFC 18 “The Road to the Heavyweight Title” in New Orleans, Louisiana. It marked the first time Rutten fought in the United States. Rutten went back and forth with his opponent, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, until the referee stopped the bout due to strikes at the 14:15 mark giving him the TKO victory.

Rutten returned to the octagon at UFC 20 “Battle for the Gold” from Birmingham, Alabama against Kevin Randleman. Rutten defeated Randleman by a close split decision after 21:00 of fighting, declaring him the UFC Heavyweight Champion.

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Rutten didn’t hold the belt for long; he vacated the title in order to drop to the 205-pound division. When training for his next fight, he suffered a couple of serious injuries causing him to retire from MMA and give up his dream of holding two belts in two different weight classes. After receiving doctor’s clearance he returned to fight one more bout in 2007 for the World Fighting Alliance organization defeating Ruben Villareal via 1st round TKO.

After his retirement became official, Rutten took small roles on different TV sitcoms. He also continued in the mixed martial arts circles by commentating for American audiences in the PRIDE FC organization. He was also involved in the promotion of the International Fight League until the league folded its operations in 2008. He also took on his current role as co-host for Inside MMA on the HDNet cable network in 2007.

Rutten has put his stamp on the world of mixed martial arts both as a fighter and as a figure head. He deserves to be recognized as one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts both for his love and devotion to the sport which he continues to show today. Although his fighting days are long over, look for Rutten to be active in promoting MMA, something he has done for over fifteen years and counting.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer
Published March 2010