Bas Rutten Skill study and Breakdown
Sebastiaan Bas Rutten is a Dutch retired mixed martial artist, and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, 3x King of Pancrase champion. Finishing his career on a 22 fight unbeaten streak (21 wins, 1 draw). In over 4 hours spent as a pro fighter, Rutten scored 13 knockdowns without getting dropped himself. Also attempting a record 53 submissions, successfully swept his opponents a record 46 times.
As a professional fighter, one of his favourite tactics was the liver shot (which he credits learning from his time spent fighting Thai’s early on), popularizing its use in MMA. Rutten is known for his charisma and has capitalized on his celebrity status since retiring from fighting in 1999.
Also working as a colour commentator in several MMA organizations, including Pride Fighting championships and has appeared in numerous television shows, movies, and video games. He also coaches MMA and has authored several instructional publishings including the classic street/self-defence videos.
Standing at 6’1″ and 215 lbs. Bas Rutten was skilled in both striking (5th-degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate, 2nd-degree black belt in Shintai Karate, 2nd-degree black belt in taekwondo, but especially “Dutch Style” kickboxing. A la the person he admired most in Ramon Dekkers) and grappling. And was ahead of his time in many ways in this regard.
Now in the video, I will cover “the why”, as in why he was such an effective visionary on his road to the UFC Hall of Fame, without further ado……