In the pantheon of mixed martial arts legends, few names resonate with the raw power and charismatic flair of Bas Rutten. “El Guapo,” as he was affectionately known, carved out a career replete with brutal knockouts and submission victories. Yet, among his 28 triumphs, one stands supreme, not merely for its ferocity, but for the profound sense of redemption it offered: the rematch against Masakatsu Funaki.
A First Loss, A Lingering Sting
Every fighter faces defeat, but the first sting often leaves the deepest mark. For Rutten, that moment arrived in January 1994 at Pancrase: Pancrash! 1. His opponent, Masakatsu Funaki, secured a victory via toe hold. In an era where the intricate art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was still a nascent mystery to many, Rutten`s admission of being “clueless about BJJ” wasn`t a confession of weakness, but a candid reflection of the sport`s evolving landscape. He knew it hurt, but the mechanics of escape were yet to be fully understood.
This defeat wasn`t just a loss on his record; it was a foundational lesson. It ignited a drive, a relentless pursuit of knowledge in the grappling arts that would transform him from a formidable kickboxer into a complete mixed martial artist.
The Evolution of “El Guapo”
The intervening two years between his initial loss and the fateful rematch were nothing short of a whirlwind. Rutten embarked on an astonishing run, competing in an additional 19 fights and securing 16 victories. This period wasn`t just about accumulating wins; it was about evolving. He immersed himself in the world of submissions, refining his ground game, and sharpening his already lethal striking. By the time he stepped back into the ring with Funaki at the Pancrase: 1996 Anniversary Show, now as the Openweight Champion, he was a different fighter entirely.
The stage was set, not just for a title defense, but for a deeply personal reckoning.
The Rematch: A Symphony of Controlled Chaos
If the first encounter was a lesson in submission mechanics, the rematch was a masterclass in retribution. The tension was palpable, heightened by Funaki`s pre-fight gesture – a throat-slitting motion directed at Rutten. It was a challenge, an insult, and a spark that ignited “El Guapo`s” already burning desire for vengeance. As Rutten himself recounted, looking at his manager, he declared, “Dude, I`m gonna kill this guy now.” Figuratively, of course, in the context of competitive combat.
From the opening bell, the fight was a testament to Rutten`s transformation. Where he had once been vulnerable on the ground, he now deftly defended Funaki`s submission attempts, demonstrating his newfound grappling acumen. But it was on the feet where Rutten truly unleashed his signature aggression.
Palm strikes, a staple of Pancrase rules, rained down with concussive force. Knees, delivered with precision and power, targeted Funaki`s head and body. The fight was a brutal, extended engagement, lasting 17 grueling minutes. Funaki, a warrior in his own right, displayed incredible resilience, reportedly getting back to his feet five times after absorbing staggering punishment. The visual evidence of Rutten`s relentless assault was stark: his own knees “black and blue” from the impact, and Funaki left with a broken nose and, quite astonishingly, “both cheekbones shattered.”
In a moment of pure, unadulterated combat, Rutten, legally utilizing a hair grab, drilled a final, decisive knee into Funaki`s face. The fight was over. The referee intervened. Rutten`s hand was raised, a victor in every sense. The sheer exhaustion was immediate; he fell backward, spent, but undeniably satisfied.
A Legacy Forged in Fire
This rematch wasn`t just another win for Bas Rutten; it was the embodiment of his fighting philosophy: relentless improvement, unwavering determination, and the profound satisfaction of overcoming a personal demon. It showcased the dramatic evolution of a fighter in the burgeoning, no-holds-barred era of MMA, where adaptability was paramount.
Years later, Rutten remains a vibrant voice in the combat sports community, often sharing his seasoned insights. Even now, he continues to brainstorm ideas, such as his recent suggestion for a grand UFC event at the White House, envisioning champions like Khamzat Chimaev gracing the hallowed grounds. It`s a testament to a career built on passion, grit, and an unyielding commitment to the sport that allowed a Dutch kickboxer to become an “El Guapo” legend, forever remembered for that one, exceptionally satisfying, redemptive victory.