Bas Rutten, a name synonymous with early mixed martial arts brutality and charisma, has often shared tales from his storied career. But amongst his impressive 28 professional victories, one stands out, not just for its sheer ferocity, but for the profound sense of satisfaction it brought him. This is the story of a rematch, a rivalry, and a dominant display that left an indelible mark on both competitors and the landscape of early MMA.
The First Encounter: A Steep Learning Curve
The year was 1994, and Pancrase, a groundbreaking Japanese promotion, was setting the stage for what would become modern MMA. Bas Rutten, then a formidable Dutch kickboxer, stepped into the Pancrase ring, largely unaware of the nuanced world of submission grappling. His opponent, the seasoned Masakatsu Funaki, a pioneer of Japanese shoot-style wrestling, exploited this vulnerability with chilling efficiency, securing a toe hold that forced Rutten to tap – his first professional loss. It was a harsh introduction to the complexities of ground fighting, a lesson Rutten would take to heart with characteristic intensity.
Two Years, Nineteen Fights, and a Champion`s Resolve
What followed for Rutten was a remarkable two-year period of intense learning and relentless fighting. “El Guapo” wasn`t just training; he was evolving. He amassed an astonishing 16 wins in 19 subsequent fights, sharpening his skills across all facets of combat, including the very submission defense that had once been his Achilles` heel. By 1996, he was not only a seasoned veteran but also the Pancrase Openweight Champion, a testament to his adaptability, iron will, and insatiable drive to master the nascent sport.
The Rematch: A Debt to Be Paid
The stage was set for a highly anticipated rematch: the Pancrase: 1996 Anniversary Show. This wasn`t merely a title defense; it was a chance for profound redemption. The air was thick with tension, exacerbated by Funaki`s pre-fight theatrics – a chilling gesture mimicking a throat-slit, a direct challenge that ignited a primal fire within Rutten. “I`m gonna kill this guy now,” Rutten reportedly told his manager, the usual pleasantries of sportsmanship momentarily forgotten in the face of such a blatant provocation. The narrative of revenge was palpable.
A Symphony of Violence: The Fight Unfolds
When the bell rang, the fight was a testament to Rutten`s transformation. Where Funaki had once found an easy target on the ground, he now met unyielding resistance. Rutten skillfully defended against submission attempts, showcasing his newfound grappling acumen. But it was on the feet, under Pancrase`s unique open-palm strike rules (closed fists to the head were illegal, lending a distinct, thudding rhythm to striking exchanges), that Rutten truly unleashed his fury.
For 17 grueling minutes, Rutten meticulously dismantled his opponent. Palm strikes rained down with concussive force, followed by brutal knees to the head. It was a relentless assault, a calculated barrage that left Funaki`s face a crimson canvas. Rutten`s own knees and palms bore the bruises of his devastating work, a testament to the sheer power and volume he unleashed. He recalls the fight`s intensity: “My knees were black and blue from hitting him… My arms had bruises on my palms.”
The Defining Blow and the Aftermath
As the fight wore on, and with both men utterly exhausted, Rutten seized a final, decisive opportunity. Grabbing Funaki by the hair – a legal maneuver in Pancrase that often provided an unforgiving lever – he drove a knee into his rival`s face with everything he had left. That was it. The fight was over. Funaki was knocked out, reportedly left with a broken nose and shattered cheekbones, a stark testament to the brutality of the exchange.
The victory was absolute, the domination undeniable. Rutten recalled the immediate aftermath, the physical and emotional toll: “I remember they raised my hand, and then right after they raised my hand, I fell backwards. I was exhausted.” This raw exhaustion, coupled with the profound knowledge of overcoming his tormentor and erasing the stain of a previous defeat, epitomized the profound satisfaction of that moment. It was a victory earned through sweat, blood, and an unshakeable will to prove himself.
Legacy of “El Guapo”
Bas Rutten`s career is filled with highlight-reel knockouts and submissions, from his iconic liver shots to his charismatic persona that captivated audiences. But the rematch against Masakatsu Funaki remains a cornerstone of his legendary status. It wasn`t just a win; it was a declaration. It showcased his ability to adapt, to learn, and to exact a brutal, definitive revenge when the stakes were highest. It’s a story that continues to resonate with fans and fighters alike, a brutal ballet of combat that secured its place as “El Guapo`s” most satisfying triumph.
