The war between Bas Rutten and Kevin Randleman at UFC 20 was an instant classic showcasing the classic striker versus grappler battles that made the sport what it is today. After hearing of Randleman’s unfortunate passing at only 44 years old, I popped on the ‘ol Fight Pass and went on a Randleman binge, starting with UFC 20. Frankly, I thought he won that fight and should’ve been the UFC heavyweight champion then and there. Watching him storm out of the cage after he lost via split-decision, I never thought he and Rutten would be on good terms, let alone become best friends. But, they bonded like blood brothers should.
The tributes from the pioneers of MMA and those that looked up to Randleman before they even had careers in fighting are pouring in today, but few can compare to Rutten’s missive. It’s a look back on that fateful night 17 years ago in Alabama, and how they grew close:
Anyway, the fight is over, and the next day I am walking through the lobby and there I see Kevin. He comes to me, shakes my hand and says while he took his beanie off: “Look man, you gave me a whole bunch of stitches on the top of my head”, and showed all the spots where my elbows had cut him.
I said: “Are you kidding, nobody sees that, do you see my face? Everybody sees that, because it’s, well, right in your face”.
We laughed, shook hands and BOOM, a new friendship was born.
And the kicker – Randleman named Rutten “El Guapo.” RIP Randleman. I hope you’re suplexing angels up in heaven.
(Via Facebook)