Don Frye
Don Frye is a professional mixed martial arts fighter and a renowned wrestler. He is also a professional actor. Prior to martial arts, Don Frye was a pro boxer and a licensed firefighter.
Don Frye was born on November 23, 1965. He started wrestling in 1984 for the state of Arizona. Dan Severn, fellow future Ultimate Fighting Championship legend and assistant wrestling coach, trained Don Frye in wrestling. Along with his experience in wrestling, Don Frye also holds a 2nd degree black belt in Judo. In 1987, Don Frye won the freestyle Greco-Roman events in the qualifiers for the Olympic Games.
In 1996, Dan Severn was the manager of Don Frye for UFC 8. Don Frye made an impressive debut appearance in professional fighting by knocking out Thomas Ramirez. On February 16, 1996 Don Frye won his first Ultimate Fighting Championship by defeating Ramirez and two more opponents. However, due to the controversy revolving around the nature of the event, Don Frye was barred from firefighting and also from training in the Buena High School gym. Returning to UFC 9, he took a single bout TKO victory over Amaury Bitetti. At UFC 10, Don Frye defeated Mark Hall and Brian Johnston by TKO. However, he lost to Mark Coleman, which was his first loss in seven fights. Don Frye also won UFC’s Ultimate Ultimate 96 tournament and acquired his second UFC Tournament Championship. After winning the Ultimate Ultimate 96 Tournament, Don Frye declared his retirement from UFC.
In 2001, Don Frye entered the PRIDE Fighting Championships. At PRIDE 16, Don Frye defeated Dutch kickboxer Gilbert Yvel. He also defeated long-time rival Ken Shamrock at PRIDE 19. Don Frye returned at PRIDE 21 and defeated Japanese pro wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama. Don Frye suffered his second loss to Japanese Olympic Gold Medalist Hidehiko Yoshida at PRIDE 23. He also suffered defeats at PRIDE Shockwave 2003 to Gary Goodridge and James Thompson at PRIDE 34.
In 2004, Don Frye collaborated with Japan’s K-1 mixed martial arts promotion called HERO. It organized both kickboxing and mixed martial arts matches.
Currently, Don Frye is coaching the Arizona based Tucson Scorpions for the International Fight League. He also writes a humorous weekly article called "Dear Don: Advice from The Predator", in which he provides his readers and fans with advice on love, life, friendship and many more topics…
By Sherdog.com Staff
Regulated mixed martial arts has experienced its first casualty. Sam asquez, who was stopped by Vince Libar
