Sebastiaan Rutten (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɑs ˈrʏtə(n)]; born 24 February 1965) is a Dutch and American actor, former mixed martial artist, kickboxer and professional wrestler. As a kickboxer, he fought 16 times, winning the first 14 matches by knockout, 13 in the first round, and losing his final two fights, one of them against Frank Lobman for the European Muay Thai title in 1991, with Rutten losing by knockout in the first round. In MMA, he was a UFC Heavyweight Champion and a three-time King of Pancrase world champion. After his submission loss to Ken Shamrock in 1995, he finished his MMA career on a 22 fight unbeaten streak (21 wins, 1 draw).

As a professional fighter, one of his most commonly used strikes was the liver shot (both punch and kick), and he popularized its use in MMA.[4][5] He competed in Japanese professional wrestling following his Pancrase tenure. Since his retirement, he has worked as a color commentator in several martial arts organizations, including Pride and Karate Combat (KC), and has appeared in numerous television shows, movies, and video games. From 2007 to 2016, he was the co-host of Inside MMA on AXS TV. Rutten also coaches MMA and has authored several instructional materials.

In 2008, Rutten was ranked by Inside MMA as the fourth-greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time.[3] In 2015, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was also inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.[6]

Early life

Rutten was born in Tilburg, Netherlands. At the age of six, he developed eczema and severe asthma. Due to his eczema, he always wore long sleeves, turtle necks and gloves, as well as bandages at night. Due to his asthma, he struggled with prolonged physical activity. He was often bullied as a child, although he hid it from his parents.[7][8] He learned to climb trees and jump between treetops to evade his bullies, who eventually stopped chasing him when one of them fell while trying to follow him.[7]

Rutten started training in boxing in the backyard of an elementary school with a friend. Rutten became interested in martial arts at age 12 after his family went on vacation to France, where the movie Enter the Dragon starring Bruce Lee was playing at a local movie theatre. Bas was underage for the movie's 17+ age guidelines, so he and his brother Sjoerd snuck into the theatre. After he saw the movie, he took an interest in martial arts.[9] Afterwards, Rutten built a makeshift nunchaku to emulate Lee.[7]

At first, his parents did not allow him to pursue his interest, but at age 14, they allowed him to practice taekwondo. At some point after he had begun training, Rutten got into a physical altercation with another child, after which the police were called and Rutten was prohibited by his parents from further practicing martial arts.

At age 21, he moved out of his parents' house, going to work as a chef while he attended culinary school for four years.[10] He also started training taekwondo once again, leading to him later earning a 2nd-degree black belt. He also began learning Kyokushin karate and earned his second 2nd-degree black belt.[11]

Kickboxing career

Rutten started competing in kickboxing at the age of 20 while working also as a bouncer and model. He fought 16 times, winning the first 14 matches by knockout, 13 in the first round, and losing his final two fights.[9] One of his losses came against Frank Lobman for the European Muay Thai title on 12 February 1991, with Rutten losing by KO in the first round.[12] According to Rutten, he signed up for the match while under the influence and without any kind of earlier preparation, but fought anyway.[13] After the match, Rutten ended his kickboxing career.[7] His second to last fight was against Rene Rooze, who bit Rutten's ear during the match. In response, Bas landed a knee to the groin, which interrupted the bout and caused a brawl.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Rutten began his professional mixed martial arts career when he was working as an entertainer. He was scouted by Chris Dolman and invited to train at the Fighting Network RINGS Holland dojo. In 1993, when Japanese pro wrestlers Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki traveled to the Netherlands to scout fighters for their new "hybrid wrestling" organization, Pancrase, Rutten was chosen after knocking out the RINGS champion in sparring.[7][14] A precursor to modern mixed martial arts, the organization was the first of its kind and featured fighting with no closed fisted strikes to the face, and featured now-known fighters such as Frank Shamrock, Vernon White, Maurice Smith, Ken Shamrock, and Guy Mezger.

Pancrase

1993

In September 1993, Rutten debuted in Pancrase against the 45lb heavier Ryushi Yanagisawa, knocking him out with palm strikes and knee strikes 48 seconds into the bout. Due to injuries sustained during the match, Yanagisawa was hospitalized for two days.[7][14] Rutten's second match was against Takaku Fuke, which Rutten won.

1994

His third match would be his first loss in Pancrase, as he faced Pancrase founder Masakatsu Funaki. Rutten was submitted by Funaki via a toehold. Afterwards, Rutten started taping Pancrase trainings and practicing moves with his trainee Leon Van Dijk.[13]

In his next fight, Rutten submitted Japanese wrestler Kazuo "Yoshiki" Takahashi with an inverted heel hook. The hold itself, which Rutten had learned the previous day by watching it in a promo, broke Takahashi's shin. Rutten was awarded an honorary 5th-degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai by Jon Bluming after the match.[7] Rutten's next bout was against Pancrase co-founder Minoru Suzuki, which Rutten won via TKO due to a liver strike.

20 days later, Rutten faced future UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, who was then one of the best Pancrase fighters. In preparation for the match, Rutten had trained in shoot wrestling with Masakatsu Funaki. Rutten lost the match due to a rear naked choke by Shamrock. After this, Rutten decided to omit strikes from his training and focus only on grappling, submitting Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jason DeLucia with a guillotine choke.

In December 1994, Rutten participated in the inaugural King of Pancrase tournament, where the winner would be crowned the first champion of Pancrase. Rutten was one of the four #1 seeds in the tournament, and his first fight was against MMA newcomer and future UFC champion Frank Shamrock. Rutten lost the match in a majority decision.[15]

1995

In his next match, Rutten submitted King of Pancrase tournament finalist Manabu Yamada on 26 January 1995 with an arm triangle choke from half guard. Rutten later was booked for a rematch and a title shot against tournament winner and then-current King of Pancrase Ken Shamrock for the King of Pancrase title on 10 March, in which Rutten was submitted via a kneebar.

As a result of the match, Rutten started training 2 to 3 times a day solely on submissions.[14] In his next bout, Rutten submitted Takaku Fuke with an armbar from the guard and a finishing heel hook. He then faced American kickboxing champion Maurice Smith. Rutten submitted Smith a figure-four toehold to win the match. Rutten then submitted Jason DeLucia, and was booked for a rematch with Frank Shamrock on 23 July. Their fight was similar to the first bout, with both men trading positions and holds, with Rutten taking a split decision victory.

The win granted him a challenge title match in September 1995 against the King of Pancrase champion Minoru Suzuki, a rematch from their fight at the beginning of both men's careers. Late in the match, Rutten landed a front kick to the body which knocked down Suzuki and followed with a guillotine choke, submitting Suzuki.

Rutten took time away due to an injury, later returning in a rematch against Maurice Smith, which Rutten earned a submission win via a rear naked choke. Rutten's next match was against Ryushi Yanagisawa, who Rutten fought in his Pancrase debut. Rutten broke his hand during the match, but earned a submission victory via a rear naked .

1996

In March 1996, Rutten faced Lion's Den fighter and future Ultimate Fighting Championship winner Guy Mezger, who Rutten submitted via a heel hook.

On 16 May 1996, Rutten defended his title against Frank Shamrock in their third match, which was also for Shamrock's interim King of Pancrase title. During the fight, Shamrock gained north-south position several times, but was unable to submit Rutten, and Rutten in turn knocked him down with an open-handed uppercut. Frank taunted Rutten by sticking out his tongue during a leglock exchange, causing Bas to hit him in the face with a closed-fisted punch, losing a point by red card.[15] Rutten won the fight by doctor's stoppage and ruled TKO due to an eye cut, unifying the King of Pancrase belts.

Right after his match against Shamrock, Rutten had his rubber match against Jason DeLucia. The fight was controversial for DeLucia repeatedly claiming Rutten had hit him with a closed fist, causing Rutten to be issued a yellow card and later a red card. In response, Rutten hit several shots to DeLucia's liver, rupturing it.

At the Pancrase 1996 Anniversary Show, taking place on 7 September, Rutten defended his undisputed title against Masakatsu Funaki. Funaki frequently used a knee-on-stomach technique and a mount position to initiate leglocks, and later landed an illegal kick to a downed Rutten. Later in the fight, Rutten knocked Funaki down twice with palm and knee strikes, eventually landing a knee to the face and earning a knockout victory, becoming a three-time King of Pancrase.

Rutten described the war with Funaki in an interview:

Before the fight when he came to me, he made that thumb over the neck, throat slashing motion like I was going to go down. I turned to my manager and said, "Okay, now I'm going to kill this guy, you watch". My game plan was to keep the fight going for 15 minutes ... Funaki had never fought above 15 minutes. But then, like 12 minutes into it, while I'm still on my knees he kicks me in the head. I block, but for me that was an illegal thing to do. So right away I start, BANG, BANG, BANG, and he goes down. From that moment on, I totally destroyed him. You got to see the fight; it was a massacre. My palms were black from hitting him so hard. He had the gods on his side or something, because he stood up every time. I hit his face back on the mat and you hear it slam into the mat. His nose is all the way to the side, broke, they have to straighten it out. I go, "Oh my God, this guy can take a shot!" I kneed him so hard in the head. He went down four times. But the last knee I gave to him was like everything I had. I grabbed him by the head and kneed him. It was really like a Rocky movie. I'm standing there and I fall backwards, and I'm totally out of breath. I get up and the referee holds my hand up. Then he lets my hand go and I drop again, BOOM! I was exhausted, I gave everything I had; I really wanted to destroy him. I broke his cheekbones and broke his nose, just because he said he was going to kill me. Oh, I was so angry at him. But afterwards, friends again ... What a crazy sport this is, huh? [16]

His next fight was a rematch with Manabu Yamada, in which Rutten earned a toehold submission victory 54 seconds into the bout. Following the match, Rutten relinquished his title to be present for the birth of his second daughter.[9]

1997

On 22 March 1997 Rutten returned to Pancrase in a match against Osami Shibuya, fighting to a draw after breaking his sternum during the bout. Rutten later had a rematch with Shibuya, earning a submission victory` spinal lock from an ura-gatame position that he nicknamed the "Bas Rutten Neck Crank."

Rutten earned 8 more victories in his Pancrase career, bringing his unbeaten streak up to 19 straight fights.

Rutten left Pancrase as one of the most dominant fighters in the history of the organization. Rutten agreed to come out of retirement to fight Ken Shamrock in PRIDE FC, however, Shamrock stated that he already beat Rutten twice and that a third time wasn't necessary. Later, in 2002, Rutten said that he would not fight Shamrock again even if it was offered to him, due to the friendship they developed over the years, and that he could not put his mind and heart into fighting Ken again.[17]

In 1997, Rutten was featured on the cover of Karaté Bushido, the oldest magazine dedicated to martial arts in Europe, joining martial artists such as Bruce Lee (1974), Jean-Claude Van Damme (1993), Rickson Gracie (1998), Jackie Chan (2000), Fedor Emelianenko (2007), Georges St-Pierre (2008), Jérôme Le Banner (2012), Francis Ngannou (2019), and Dave Leduc (2020).[18]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

UFC Heavyweight Champion

Rutten originally learned about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) before its first event in 1993, when future UFC competitor Ken Shamrock proposed fighting in the organization to him, but Rutten decided to stay in Pancrase, as he felt the "no rules" format was too dangerous and he did not want to risk his career.[19] Despite this, Rutten later signed with the UFC in 1998, after his Pancrase career. Rutten entered the UFC with a 19 fight unbeaten streak and was touted by the organization as the "world's greatest martial artist."[20]

Rutten was originally scheduled to fight heavyweight champion Randy Couture in a title match for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in his first fight, but due to a contract dispute, Couture left the UFC to sign with a different promotion. The title was then stripped from Couture and a tournament was held for the vacant belt. In his UFC debut, Rutten faced Fighting Network RINGS fighter Tsuyoshi Kosaka at UFC 18. Rutten earned a knockout victory with a minute remaining in the fight's overtime period.[20] The fight was deemed controversial as referee John McCarthy stood the fighters up when Kosaka was mounted on Rutten and actively landing punches.[20]

On 7 May 1999, at UFC 20, Rutten faced Kevin Randleman for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in which Rutten earned a split decision victory, becoming UFC Heavyweight Champion.[21] This victory was deemed controversial by fans and fighters, such as Randleman's corner and Mark Coleman, who criticized the judges' decision.[21] Fight judging at that point was not based on the current 10-point must system, but on whom the judges felt won the fight overall.

Rutten vacated the title later in the year, in order to drop down to what was at the time middleweight (now known as light heavyweight) a weight closer to his natural weight, in a bid to try to become the first person to hold a UFC title in two weight classes.[9] While training for his next UFC fight in 1999, he suffered multiple injuries, blowing out his knee, tearing his biceps, and injuring his neck. He was forced to retire from MMA competition under doctor's orders.[9]

He was offered a fight against Kazushi Sakuraba when he was contacted by Pride Fighting Championships, but Rutten declined due to the size of the fight purse being offered, later agreeing to join the organization as a color commentator. He was replaced by Wanderlei Silva in the card.[22]

UFC Hall of Fame

On 22 May 2015, UFC President Dana White appeared on Inside MMA to announce that Rutten would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame during International Fight Week in July. Rutten is the first European to be inducted, entering the "Pioneers" wing of the UFC's new-look Hall of Fame.[23][24]

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz has credited Rutten for inspiration during his early days. Ortiz said; "I looked up to Bas Rutten. Bas was my idol. People were just so scared of fighting him, he was like the man. I thought that was what I need to do now. If I train as hard as he does then one day I'll be as good as him and two years later look where I am, I'm on top of the world. I've got to say thanks to him, (Bas) for helping me out by making me believe in dreams."[25]

Last fight

In May 2006, Rutten announced his return to MMA competition. Cleared by doctors to fight again, Rutten was slated to face Kimo Leopoldo in the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance on 22 July 2006, at The Forum in Los Angeles. Two days before the event, Kimo tested positive for Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. In place of Kimo, Rutten fought Ruben "Warpath" Villareal. Rutten earned a first round TKO victory via leg kicks, bringing his professional record to 28 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. After the fight, Rutten tested positive for hydrocodone, morphine, and diphenhydramine.[26]

Professional wrestling career

Rutten competed in Japanese professional wrestling following his Pancrase tenure. He made his debut at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2000 event, where he teamed up with Alexander Otsuka to defeat the team of Naoki Sano and Ricco Rodríguez, with Rutten submitting Sano with a crossface chickenwing.[27] He also wrestled in Battlarts, defeating Carl Malenko by KO via palm strike.

In 2002, Rutten debuted in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as a part of Antonio Inoki's MMA army. Before his first match, he was featured in vignettes learning the shining wizard from watching Keiji Mutoh tapes in order to adapt to NJPW professional wrestling.[28] He mostly wrestled in singles matches, earning wins over Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Masayuki Naruse. In July of 2002, he challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Yuji Nagata, but he was defeated. After three months, in October, he was featured in a special European Catch Wrestling Rules Match against Osamu Nishimura with Tony St. Clair as a special referee. The match went to a time limit draw after ten rounds, despite Nishimura's illegal blows. The same month, Rutten dropped down to the junior heavyweight division and received another title match, this time against Koji Kanemoto for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, in which he lost the bout. His last professional match was on October 26, 2002 when he lost to Koji Kanemoto.

Post-fight career

After his retirement from fighting in 1999, Rutten focused on becoming an actor, getting small parts on TV shows such as Martial Law, 18 Wheels of Justice, The King of Queens, "Lights Out", and the Canadian series Freedom, as well as appearing in low budget movies such as Shadow Fury, The Eliminator, and the comedy short The Kingdom of Ultimate Power which was featured in the 2005 L.A. Film Festival. It also won the first prize at the short film festival in NY for "best comedy".[citation needed]

Rutten was also the color commentator for the English productions of Pride Fighting Championships events, calling nearly every event from Pride 1 through the 2005 Grand Prix. Known for his sense of humor and first-hand knowledge of the sport, Rutten quickly became a fan favorite commentator. In April 2006 he announced that he would not continue to announce for Pride, due to the constant commutes to Japan and being away from his family.[29]

Rutten in 2011

Rutten has a cameo in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV on the in-game TV show called "The Men's Room."[30] He also did motion capture for the main character's fighting moves. He said that when he arrived at the motion-capture place in New York, he asked the people in charge how violent they wanted to have it and they told him to "give it all he got". After two hours they stopped him and said, "It's OK, you don't have to go any further".[31]

He was also featured in WCW vs. the World for the PlayStation, but was named "Thunder Dome" to avoid copyright laws.[citation needed]

On 23 January 2008, he was announced as the new Vice President of Fighter Operations reporting directly to IFL CEO Jay Larkin. His role was to build relations between the IFL and its fighters as well as work on potential match-ups between fighters. He also hosted the weekly shows "Battleground" and "International Fight League" with Kenny Rice. This ended when IFL went out of business in late 2008.[citation needed]

In 2009, he appeared in the music video for Listen to Your Friends by the rock band New Found Glory, "fighting" lead vocalist Jordan Pundik. Bas and Rice hosted Inside MMA, a weekly MMA variety show on AXS TV. The pair also did remote English commentary and play-by-play for Dream events broadcast in North America on HDNet. The pair were eventually replaced by Guy Mezger and Michael Schiavello, who attended the events live in Japan. He would also appear in several public health service ads, airing on Cartoon Network as part of the network's "Get Healthy" campaign. He also made a public service announcement against trying out MMA at home.[32]

Rutten was featured in the 2012 American sports comedy movie Here Comes the Boom alongside Kevin James and Henry Winkler. Rutten played the role of a former MMA fighter and Dutch immigrant Niko trying to gain US citizenship. In return for his help in gaining citizenship, Niko helps train 42-year-old biology teacher Scott (Kevin James) to become a MMA fighter in the UFC. The film also features former UFC fighter Krzysztof Soszynski, former Muay Thai kickboxer Mark DellaGrotte along with cameo roles for Bruce Buffer, Chael Sonnen, Jason Miller, Satoshi Ishii, Mark Muñoz, Herb Dean, Wanderlei Silva, and Joe Rogan amongst others.[citation needed]

On 23 October 2013, the World Series of Fighting announced Rutten as a member of the broadcast team for WSOF events on NBCSN along with Todd Harris.[33]

Rutten currently[when?] works as a commentator for Karate Combat (KC).[34]

Coaching

Rutten is certified as an instructor of both MTBN Thai Boxing and mixed martial arts, as well as krav maga.[14]

Rutten coached Mark Kerr during the filming of the HBO documentary The Smashing Machine.[citation needed]

In 2006, Rutten was a team coach for the International Fight League, an MMA organization that focused on team combat. His team, the Anacondas, defeated the Silverbacks 3–2. He is also a former investor in the Legends MMA gym in Hollywood and used to teach there occasionally,[35] and is now a part owner of the MMA gym Bas Rutten's Elite Mixed Martial Arts in Thousand Oaks, California. He teaches a MMA class on Tuesdays.[36]

He has also trained former street fighter Kimbo Slice for his professional MMA bouts, as well as professional wrestler Samoa Joe.[citation needed]

Fighting style

Rutten's main reason for success in Pancrase was his well-rounded fighting style, excelling both in striking and grappling. His stand-up offensive, learned from the Dutch school of Muay Thai, Karate and Taekwondo was aggressive yet deceptively technical.[37] According to Frank Shamrock, it often intimidated other fighters. According to Shamrock, "His kickboxing was devastating. It was something everybody feared. The other thing he had was a basic understanding of real fighting ... Bas had that street fighter mentality."[38]

One of his commonly used tactics in the ring was using push kicks against the ring ropes before using palm strikes and strikes to the body.[37] Rutten never developed an effective takedown defense, but he was apt at landing strikes while being taken down, having knocked out opponents before they could complete the technique.[37]

Being self-taught, Rutten initially focused on defense rudiments learned from Chris Dolman. His grappling style was patterned after Pancrase's native shoot wrestling (better known as "Catch wrestling" in the west), and he focused on chokeholds, leglocks, and submission defense, helping against grapplers like Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki.[39]

Personal life

Rutten currently lives in Austin, Texas,[citation needed] with his wife Karin and two daughters. Rutten also has a daughter from his first wife.[40] He became a citizen of the United States[41] in the 1990s.[42] At the end of 2015, he became a grandfather for the first time: a grandson, who currently lives in Belgium.[citation needed]

Rutten is friends with fellow Dutchman and former UFC competitor Gerard Gordeau.[19]

Rutten is known by the moniker "El Guapo", which means "The Handsome One" in Spanish.[citation needed]

He became known for the victory celebration known as "Rutten Jump", in which he would do a jumping split after winning a fight.[9] Rutten talked about the origins of the Rutten Jump on his website: "When I won my first fight in Pancrase, I was so hyped that I jumped up in the splits to each side of the ring. Why? I don't know. But, it became my trademark and I had to do it after every fight that I won."[43]

In 2010, Rutten partnered with clothing brand, Tokyo Five,[44] to produce and star in a cooking show titled Grandma's Kitchen with Bas Rutten. The show's pilot was scheduled to air 26 February 2010; however, due to a physical altercation between Rutten and co-hosts, production has been delayed indefinitely.[45]

In 2018, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.[46]

Religious beliefs

Rutten is a practicing Catholic, talking about his faith in God on YouTube. Raised in a Catholic family, Rutten stopped practicing the faith at around 12 years old when his parents stopped attending church, but he returned to the faith in 2013.[47] He has credited his friend Kevin James, and others, with helping him in his journey back to Catholicism.[48]

Tattoos

Rutten has several tattoos, each of which is intended to help him spiritually and emotionally.[49]

Street fights

Rutten is known for his brawls and bar fights around the world. In particular, he once threw Paul Varelans through a glass window in Russia via a kimura lock when Varelans tried to bite his back, and immediately after he disarmed and assaulted an armed bouncer.[14] He also participated in a brawl that took place at a bar in Sweden in which he fought several bouncers at the same time, resulting in Rutten being placed in a Swedish jail.[50]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
33 matches 28 wins 4 losses
By knockout 11 0
By submission 14 3
By decision 3 1
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 28–4–1 Ruben Villareal TKO (leg kicks) WFA: King of the Streets 22 July 2006 1 3:24 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 27–4–1 Kevin Randleman Decision (split) UFC 20 7 May 1999 1 21:00 Birmingham, Alabama, United States Won the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship. Later vacated title due to injury.
Win 26–4–1 Tsuyoshi Kohsaka TKO (punches) UFC 18 8 January 1999 1 14:15 Kenner, Louisiana, United States
Win 25–4–1 Kengo Watanabe TKO (palm strikes) Pancrase: 1998 Anniversary Show 14 September 1998 1 2:58 Tokyo, Japan
Win 24–4–1 Keiichiro Yamamiya Submission (rear-naked choke) Pancrase: Alive 11 20 December 1997 1 4:58 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win 23–4–1 Osami Shibuya Submission (body crunch) Pancrase: 1997 Anniversary Show 6 September 1997 1 3:15 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
Win 22–4–1 Takaku Fuke Submission (armbar) Pancrase: Alive 7 30 June 1997 1 4:28 Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan
Win 21–4–1 Kiuma Kunioku Decision (points) Pancrase: Alive 4 27 April 1997 1 15:00 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
Draw 20–4–1 Osami Shibuya Draw (majority) Pancrase: Alive 3 22 March 1997 1 15:00 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Win 20–4 Manabu Yamada Submission (ankle lock) Pancrase: Truth 7 8 October 1996 1 0:54 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Win 19–4 Masakatsu Funaki KO (knee) Pancrase: 1996 Anniversary Show 7 September 1996 1 17:05 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan Defended the Pancrase Openweight Championship.
Win 18–4 Jason DeLucia KO (Punch[56][57] to the body) Pancrase: Truth 6 25 June 1996 1 8:48 Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
Win 17–4 Frank Shamrock TKO (doctor stoppage) Pancrase: Truth 5 16 May 1996 1 11:11 Tokyo, Japan Defended and unified the Pancrase Openweight Championship.
Win 16–4 Katsuomi Inagaki TKO (points) Pancrase: Truth 4 8 April 1996 1 14:07 Tokyo, Japan
Win 15–4 Guy Mezger Submission (ankle lock) Pancrase: Truth 2 2 March 1996 1 19:36 Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Win 14–4 Ryushi Yanagisawa Submission (rear-naked choke) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 7 14 December 1995 1 27:35 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Win 13–4 Maurice Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 6 4 November 1995 1 4:34 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win 12–4 Minoru Suzuki Submission (guillotine choke) Pancrase: 1995 Anniversary Show 1 September 1995 1 15:35 Tokyo, Japan Won the Pancrase Openweight Championship.
Win 11–4 Frank Shamrock Decision (split) Pancrase: 1995 Neo-Blood Tournament Second Round 23 July 1995 1 15:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 10–4 Jason DeLucia Submission (heel hook) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 5 13 June 1995 1 1:32 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Win 9–4 Maurice Smith Submission (kneebar) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 4 13 May 1995 1 2:10 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
Win 8–4 Takaku Fuke Submission (heel hook) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 3 8 April 1995 1 1:52 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Loss 7–4 Ken Shamrock Submission (kneebar) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 2 10 March 1995 1 1:01 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan For the Pancrase Openweight Championship.
Win 7–3 Manabu Yamada Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) Pancrase: Eyes of Beast 1 26 January 1995 1 1:05 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Loss 6–3 Frank Shamrock Decision (majority) King of Pancrase tournament opening round 16 December 1994 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 6–2 Jason DeLucia Submission (guillotine choke) Pancrase: Road to the Championship 5 15 October 1994 1 1:43 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 5–2 Ken Shamrock Submission (rear-naked choke) Pancrase: Road to the Championship 3 26 July 1994 1 16:42 Tokyo, Japan
Win 5–1 Minoru Suzuki KO (knee to the body) Pancrase: Road to the Championship 2 6 July 1994 1 3:43 Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan
Win 4–1 Kazuo Takahashi TKO (knee injury) Pancrase: Road to the Championship 1 31 May 1994 1 1:37 Tokyo, Japan
Win 3–1 Vernon White Submission (guillotine choke) Pancrase: Pancrash! 3 21 April 1994 1 1:16 Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Loss 2–1 Masakatsu Funaki Submission (toe hold) Pancrase: Pancrash! 1 19 January 1994 1 2:58 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win 2–0 Takaku Fuke KO (knee to the body) Pancrase: Yes, We Are Hybrid Wrestlers 2 14 October 1993 1 2:03 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Win 1–0 Ryushi Yanagisawa KO (palm strike) Pancrase: Yes, We Are Hybrid Wrestlers 1 21 September 1993 1 0:43 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Shadow Fury Kismet
2002 The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr Himself Documentary
Modern Warriors
2004 The Eliminator Dakota Varley
2005 The Vault General Matos
The Kingdom of Ultimate Power Vlad Rifka Short
2006 Backlash Grazer
2009 Paul Blart: Mall Cop Drill Instructor
2010 Sinners & Saints Dekker
2011 Zookeeper Sebastian the Wolf (voice)
2012 Here Comes the Boom Niko
2014 Mercy Rule Coach
2015 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 Henk
2016 The River Thief Clyde
2025 The Smashing Machine Himself

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Martial Law Roman Van Reit Episode: "Nitro Man"
2000 Freedom The Bad Guy Episode: "Lonewolf"
The King of Queens Emil Episode: "Party Favors"
2002 NJPW Samurai TV Himself
2005 The King of Queens Niles Episode: "Deconstructing Carrie"
2006 International Fight League Himself (announcer)
2007 Fight Science Himself Documentary series
The Modern Warrior
2008 Fight Science Himself Episode: "Fighting Back"
2011 Lights Out Dokaj Episode: "Bolo Punch"
2012 Punk Payback Himself
2012 Myrskyn Ratsastajat Documentary
2015 Liv and Maddie Uncle Martucci Episode: "Ask Her More-A-Rooney"[58]
2017–18 Kevin Can Wait Rutger/Rootger Van De Kamp Recurring role

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
1997 WCW vs. the World Thunder Dome
2008 Grand Theft Auto IV Himself (voice) / Niko Bellic (motion capture fight double)
2009 Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony Himself (voice)
Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned
2010 EA MMA
2012 UFC Undisputed 3
2016 EA Sports UFC 2 Himself (playable character)

Works

  • Bas Rutten's Big Book of Combat, Volumes One and Two (2002)
  • Bas Rutten's Big DVDs of Combat
  • Bas Rutten's Lethal Street Fighting (2003)
  • Bas Rutten's MMA Workout (2001)
  • Bas Rutten's Superior Free Fight Techniques
  • Bas Rutten's "Extreme Pancrase" No-Holds Barred Fighting System
  • Training with Bas Rutten "Never Back Down Special Features" 2008
  • TERA Online"MMO-FO.com Spokesman" 2012

References

  1. ^ a b c "Karate in MMA: The Driving Force". Karate.com. Karate Combat. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  2. ^ "Bas Rutten: An In-Depth Look at His MMA Career and Transition to UFC Commentator". Fight.tv. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  3. ^ a b Inside MMA (television). AXS TV. 2008. Event occurs at 0:15. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  4. ^ The 10 Best Signature Moves in MMA. Bas Rutten's liver shot is #1.
  5. ^ Barry, Steve. (5 January 2009) The Origin of Bas Rutten's Love of the Liver Shot?. Mmaconvert.com. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Bio Bas Rutten 2018 – ISHOF | International Sports Hall of Fame | United States". Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Ferriss, Tim (19 September 2022). "The Tim Ferriss Show transcripts: UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten on Fundamentals of Real Self-Defense, Savage Fight Stories, How He's Handled Bullies, Breathing Techniques for Increasing Stamina and Endurance, The Art of Personal Reinvention, and Cultivating the Practice of Prayer (#621)". The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss. Tim Blog. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Karate Combat: Interview with Bas Rutten". Fighter Mag. 8 August 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Official biography Archived 20 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Basrutten.tv (30 November 2015). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  10. ^ Guga Foods. UFC Legend said my steaks SUCKS, So I said let's do it!. Event occurs at [time needed]. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Bas Rutten" (in Japanese). Pancrase Official Site. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
  12. ^ 1991 Bas Rutten vs Frank Lobman (12–02–1991). YouTube.com. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  13. ^ a b "From Bullying the Bullies to MMA Heavyweight Champion — The Bas Rutten Story". Fight Times. 27 November 2009.
  14. ^ a b c d e Nation, Mark Ginther, T. (16 January 2004). "Two Fisted T-Man". T NATION.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b Frank Shamrock, Uncaged: My Life as a Champion MMA Fighter, Chicago Review Press
  16. ^ T NATION | MMA Legend Bas Rutten. Tmuscle.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-15.
  17. ^ Boone, Matt (6 February 2003) Bas Rutten Speaks On Shamrock, Tank, UFC/PRIDE, & More Archived 22 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ Matthew Carter (22 June 2020). "Dave Leduc On The Cover Of Legendary Martial Arts Magazine". Lethwei World. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022.
  19. ^ a b Santoliquito, Joseph (12 November 2013). "Let There Be Fight – Pioneers Emerge". Sherdog. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  20. ^ a b c Newman, Scott (16 August 2006). "MMA Review: #92: UFC 18: The Road to the Heavyweight Title". The Oratory. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  21. ^ a b Newman, Scott (26 October 2006). "UFC 20: The Battle for the Gold Review". Sports Oratory. Archived from the original on 1 November 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  22. ^ Snowden, Jonathan (2010). Total Mma: Inside Ultimate Fighting. ECW Press. ISBN 978-15-549033-7-5.
  23. ^ Martin, Damon. (23 May 2015) Former heavyweight champion Bas Rutten to be inducted to UFC Hall of Fame. FOX Sports. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  24. ^ Dana White Surprises Bas Rutten w/ UFC Hall of Fame Invitation. YouTube (22 May 2015). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  25. ^ Tito Ortiz interview by Pooch : Submission Fighting UK Interviews. Web.archive.org (1 May 2001). Retrieved on 15 November 2010.
  26. ^ "NUMEROUS MMA DRUG TEST FAILURES IN CALIFORNIA". 2 April 2007.
  27. ^ ""Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye" Results". Purolove (in German). Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  28. ^ "July 2002 News Archive (Incomplete)". www.ichibanpuroresu.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2006.
  29. ^ Bas Rutten exposes Gary "Jerry" Millen Archived 17 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Mmaontap.com (14 March 2007). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  30. ^ GTA4: Rutten is hilarious. Mmamania.com (29 April 2008). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  31. ^ Zeidler, Benjamin (17 June 2008) Bas in GTA4. mmamadness.com
  32. ^ "Video Tribute: MMA's Eight Greatest Public Service Announcements". CagePotato.com. 15 August 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  33. ^ "World Series of Fighting Announces Bas Rutten, Todd Harris as Broadcast Team". Sherdog.
  34. ^ "Karate Combat Appoints UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten As New". www.globenewswire.com (Press release). 22 June 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  35. ^ Kalstein, Dave (May 2008) Legends Gym: Bright Lights, Big City. fightmagazine.com
  36. ^ "ELITE MMA GYM - HOME". Elite MMA Gym.
  37. ^ a b c Slack, Jack (6 November 2012). "UFC Macao Judo Chop: Cung Le and MMA's Best Kickers". Blood Elbow. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  38. ^ The overlooked origins of mixed martial arts: Part II Archived 3 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. KocoSports.com. Retrieved on 15 November 2010.
  39. ^ Grant, T.P. (17 November 2012). "MMA Origins: A New Era Dawns as Bas Rutten Reigns in Pancrase". Blood Elbow. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  40. ^ Villarreal, Adam. Who's the Bas? proelite.com
  41. ^ Razak, Bobby. History of MMA: Bas Rutten. Bobby Razak (Interview). Event occurs at 8:08. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  42. ^ StevenCrowder (5 May 2017). "#163 Trumpcare Wins! Bill NYE Loses! Bas Rutten and Andrew Klavan – Louder With Crowder". Archived from the original on 13 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ FAQ: The Home of Bas Rutten. Wednesday, 3 November 2004
  44. ^ "Tokyo Five Brand".
  45. ^ Bas Rutten Cooking Show Pilot Ends In Debacle. Sherdog.com (4 March 2010). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  46. ^ Dr. Robert Goldman (9 March 2018). "2018 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  47. ^ The Faith of a Fighter: An Interview with MMA Legend Bas Rutten Sam Guzman, catholicgentleman.net (January 2017)
  48. ^ UFC legend reveals actor helped him in journey back to Catholicism thecatholicuniverse.com (26 November 2018)
  49. ^ Bas Rutten: Exclusive Interview Archived 23 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine in Black Belt Magazine
  50. ^ "Bas Rutten's Crazy Swedish Bar Fight Story" (in Japanese). The Joe Rogan Experience. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  51. ^ "Bas Rutten to Enter UFC Hall of Fame in July". ufc.com. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  52. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (17 October 2011). UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. New York: DK. p. 171. ISBN 978-0756683610.
  53. ^ Martin, Todd. (3 August 2014) Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: The Shoo-Ins – Bas Rutten. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  54. ^ MMA Awards. Fight Matrix. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.
  55. ^ "Hall Of Fame". Martial Arts History Museum. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  56. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXPF2oShAME This is an actual recording of the fight. The TKO occurs shortly after 10:31 in which Bas delivers the injurious punch.
  57. ^ "Pancrase: Truth 6". Archived from the original on 9 August 2024.
  58. ^ "IMDb: Liv and Maddie "Ask Her More-A-Rooney" (Season 3, Episode 8)". imdb.com. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bas_Rutten