Gilbert Yvel

Last updated

Gilbert Yvel
Gilbert Yvel UFC 115 (cropped).jpg
Born (1976-06-30) 30 June 1976 (age 47)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Other namesThe Hurricane
Residence Naarden, Netherlands
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb)
Division Super Heavyweight
Heavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Reach77 in (196 cm)
Style Kickboxing
Fighting out ofAmsterdam, Netherlands
TeamVos Gym
Throwdown Training Center
Teacher(s) Jon Bluming
Chris Dolman
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Remco Pardoel [1]
Years active1997–2013, 2016–present
Kickboxing record
Total2
Wins1
By knockout1
Losses1
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total58
Wins40
By knockout34
By submission6
Losses16
By knockout5
By submission2
By decision6
By disqualification3
Draws1
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: 21 March 2024

Gilbert Yvel (born 30 June 1976) is a Dutch professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 1997, Yvel competed in the PRIDE Fighting Championships, Affliction, the UFC, Road FC, the RFA, RINGS, M-1 Challenge, Cage Rage, K-1, and Showtime promotions. He is the former RINGS Openweight Champion.

Contents

Background

Yvel was born in the Netherlands to parents of Surinamese and Haitian descent. [2] He was raised as an orphan in the neighborhood of the Bijlmermeer in Amsterdam. He was promoted to black belt in BJJ in 2024 by Remco Pardoel. [3]

Mixed martial arts career

RINGS

Yvel came into contact with kickboxing and MMA through his brother, and after only two years of training he made his debut at 17 years of age, representing Vos Gym. Gilbert was off to a flying start winning his first 9 fights, primarily fighting for the Fighting Network RINGS promotion, initially only in events hosted by its Dutch brand. One of his first opponents would be Bas Rutten's apprentice Leon Dijk, whom he defeated by KO, as well as "dirty" Bob Schrijber. In another of his performances, he squared off against Bas Jussen in an event promoted by RINGS Holland leader Chris Dolman. This fight would become controversial because Yvel, after getting his leg embraced by Jussen in a missed flying knee, grabbed the fence to keep himself vertical and then, still hanging off the cage, delivered several knees and axe kicks on his opponent's head. Yvel would go to win the match shortly after.

His first loss came in 1998 in a rematch against Schrijber, being knocked out in the first round. Yvel had actually met his biological mother for the first time two days before the fight. He would follow with a participation representing RINGS Holland in the Russian tournament Pankration European Championship, where he would face RINGS Russia fighter Karimula Barkalaev. Although Yvel dominated the match, he was disqualified after Barkalaev's coach Volk Han noted the referee Yvel had illegally bitten his fighter.

In the following years Yvel came to be considered the best Dutch Heavyweight fighter active on the European fighting circuit. He got a victory over teammate Valentijn Overeem by TKO, as well as a high level one over RINGS England chief Lee Hasdell. In April 1999, Yvel was finally called to Japan by RINGS, where he fought Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Through the match, Yvel left himself behind by five points due to multiple fouls, which included grabbing the ropes, hitting the face on the ground, striking against an opponent on the knees and, in spectacular fashion, hanging himself off the turnbuckle in order to land a knee to the face. However, he rallied over in points with a palm strike and a tight guillotine choke, and finally won the match when it was stopped due to accumulated damage to Kohsaka's face. [4] He then would fly back to Holland in order to face Semmy Schilt in an interpromotional match. The bout was particularly intriguing because Schilt belonged to Pancrase, RINGS's rival promotion in Japan.

The fight was met under special rules, with Gilbert keeping his gloves for punching while Schilt preferred to go barehanded and use open palm strikes like it was done in Pancrase. Although Schilt was considered a heavy favourite, sporting a huge advantage in both weight and height and boasting victories over Masakatsu Funaki and Guy Mezger, Yvel proved himself at the first minutes of the match by scoring a shocking knockdown on Schilt by a flurry of hooks. The Pancrase fighter recovered with knees to the body and took Yvel down repeatedly in an attempt to submit him, but the ruleset's quick stand-ups and Yvel's own defensive acumen impeded any advance in this field. Meanwhile, while Schilt still won the earlier stand-up exchanges, Yvel eventually took over and bloodied Schilt's eye with punches and a possible eye gouge which was dismissed by the referee. At the end of several grinding assaults, Yvel overpowered Schilt and landed a long series of unanswered punches, finally knocking Schilt out on his feet for the victory. [5]

In his return to Japan, Yvel was scheduled in a rematch with Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. This time, however, Yvel was forced to spend a rope escape by an early toehold, and shortly after had to defend on the ground after being thrown down by the judo specialist. With Gilbert behind on points, the match was stood up, but then it was suddenly stopped when Kohsaka, trying another judo throw, made both them fall outside the ring and was rendered injured by the fall. The bout was declared no contest, but as Yvel had lost a point while Kohsaka hadn't lost any of them, the Japanese was controversially declared winner by points.

In December 1999, Yvel qualified for the King of Kings world tournament. He eliminated karate champion Tariel Bitsadze by armbar on the first round, and went to avenge his defeat to Kohsaka in the second, stopping him by a cut caused by a grazing punch. Yvel would face eventual winner Dan Henderson in his block's final match. The American controlled the wrestling and seemed to have an armbar locked, but Yvel rolled out of it and utilized a strategy consistent on trying to strike between takedown and takedown. In one of those instances, he got a yellow card for landing an illegal elbow to Henderson's spine. At the end, although Yvel landed solid shots, he couldn't finish Henderson and was eliminated by unanimous decision.

Yvel's last bout in RINGS would be against Kiyoshi Tamura in a match for the RINGS Openweight Championship. Again, Yvel was taken down and positionally controlled on the mat, but he resisted successfully Tamura's scarce submission attempts and knocked him out via strikes. He won the title, but was forced to vacate it shortly after due to signing up with PRIDE.

Affliction

In 2008 Yvel signed a three-fight deal with Affliction Entertainment, his first and only fight on the contract was against Josh Barnett at Affliction's 24 January 2009 "Day of Reckoning" event in Anaheim, California before Affliction abandoned MMA promotion. [6] During the fight, Yvel showed great resilience against his wrestling opponent and kept an active guard which prevented Barnett from submitting him in the first two rounds, until Yvel finally succumbed to punches at the 3:05 mark of the third round.

Yvel was scheduled to fight Chris Gathers at Affliction: Trilogy, a fight which never materialized due to the folding of the promotion.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Yvel fought up-and-coming Brazilian Heavyweight Junior dos Santos at UFC 108 [7] replacing Gabriel Gonzaga for the bout on 2 January. Yvel lost the fight, with Herb Dean stopping the fight at 2:07 in the first round due to strikes. Yvel protested the stoppage but congratulated Dos Santos for winning the fight moments later. [8]

Yvel next faced Ben Rothwell at UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin. Yvel lost by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).

Yvel then faced Jon Madsen on 23 October 2010 at UFC 121, replacing an injured Todd Duffee. [9] Both men circled early on in the fight before Madsen shot for a double-leg takedown that downed Yvel after Gilbert slipped when his knee buckled, they ended up against the cage. Madsen then hit Yvel multiple times when Yvel's head was pressed up against the Octagon padding, resulting in the referee stopping the fight. Yvel was subsequently released from his UFC contract after the loss.

Post UFC

Yvel was scheduled to face former King of the Cage champion Tony Lopez in a PRIDE rules bout at Colosseo Championship Fighting 6: Bushido on 23 July 2011. [10] However, the event was postponed and was then scheduled take place on 3 September. [11] The event was subsequently canceled. [12]

Gilbert Yvel cut down to 205-pounds to compete in the Light-Heavyweight division for Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). He was successful in his debut in this weight class, defeating Damian Dantibo at RFA 1 – Pulver vs. Elliott. The event took place on Friday, 16 December 2011 at the Viaero Event Center in Kearney, Nebraska. On 30 March 2012, Yvel faced Houston Alexander at RFA 2 – Yvel vs. Alexander, winning by first-round knockout.

Yvel was scheduled to fight against fellow UFC veteran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion Marcio Cruz on 2 November 2012 at Resurrection Fighting Alliance 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada. [13] but he was forced out of the bout due to an injury. [14]

Yvel announced his retirement in an interview with Ground and Pound TV. He plans to become a trainer at Agoge MMA in Germany. [15]

Yvel also has fought two kickboxing matches, losing to Ray Sefo and beating Yuji Sakuragi. [16]

Bad conduct and subsequent rehabilitation

Yvel has acquired, through a number of instances, a lingering reputation in the MMA community for his temper and poor sportsmanship in the ring earlier in his career. [17] [18] [19]

In his May 1998 bout with Karimula Barkalaev, Yvel was disqualified for biting his opponent. [18] [19]

In his September 2001 match with Don Frye, Yvel repeatedly raked his fingers across Frye's face and pushed his thumb into Frye's eyes to avoid being wrestled to the mat. Yvel was disqualified in this match, as well, although the official reason given was for grabbing the ropes. [18] [19]

During Yvel's November 2004 match with Atte Backman, the referee separated the fighters as they were falling over the ropes in a clinched position. Yvel refused the attempts by the referee to get the fighters to resume the clinched position away from ropes, swatting the referee's hand away when he attempted to guide the fighters back together. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to restart the fight in the clinched position, Yvel sucker-punched the referee in the head, dropping him to the canvas, and then kicked him while he was down. This was Yvel's 3rd disqualification in six years.

A scheduled PRIDE 33 match in 2007 with Sergei Kharitonov had to be cancelled when the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) refused to grant Yvel a license to fight in their state due to his history of poor conduct. [18] [20]

Yvel's 2009 Affliction match-up with Josh Barnett was scheduled to take place in California. Again, because of his past behaviour, there was debate over whether he should be allowed to have a fight license. After taking the unusual step of arranging a personal meeting between Yvel, Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas and Chief Athletic Inspector Dean Lohuis, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) did license him to fight there. [18] [19] [20]

In October 2009, after a new application, the NSAC again declined to grant Yvel a standard license but did grant him a limited, 1-fight only license to fight in Nevada due to his good conduct since his last instance of poor behaviour in 2004. [21]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
58 matches40 wins16 losses
By knockout345
By submission62
By decision06
By disqualification03
Draws1
No contests1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win40–16–1 (1) Mighty Mo Technical Submission (armbar) Road FC 047 12 May 201813:43 Beijing, China Road FC 2018 Openweight Grand Prix Round One.
Win39–16–1 (1) Ricco Rodriguez TKO (injury)Akhmat Fight Show 31: Ushukov vs. Vagaev19 November 201611:00 Grozny, Russia Return to Heavyweight.
Win38–16–1 (1) Houston Alexander KO (punch)RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander30 March 201213:59 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Win37–16–1 (1)Damian DantiboTKO (submission to punches)RFA 1: Pulver vs. Elliott16 December 201113:12 Kearney, Nebraska, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Loss36–16–1 (1) Jon Madsen TKO (punches) UFC 121 23 October 201011:48 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss36–15–1 (1) Ben Rothwell Decision (unanimous) UFC 115 12 June 201035:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Loss36–14–1 (1) Junior dos Santos TKO (punches) UFC 108 2 January 201012:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win36–13–1 (1) Pedro Rizzo KO (punches)Ultimate Chaos: Lashley vs. Sapp27 June 200912:10 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss35–13–1 (1) Josh Barnett TKO (submission to punches) Affliction: Day of Reckoning 24 January 200933:05 Anaheim, California, United States
Win35–12–1 (1)Alexander TimonovTKO (punches) M-1 Challenge 9: Russia 21 November 200810:22 St. Petersburg, Russia
Win34–12–1 (1)Sergey ShemetovSubmission (toe hold)KOE: Tough Is Not Enough5 October 200810:53 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win33–12–1 (1)Michał KitaKO (punch)Gentlemen Fight Night24 May 200820:02 Holland, Netherlands
Win32–12–1 (1)Hakim GouramKO (punch) K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Amsterdam 23 June 200710:31 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win31–12–1 (1) Akira Shoji TKO (punches) PRIDE 34 8 April 200713:43 Saitama, Japan
Win30–12–1 (1) Rodney Glunder KO (punches)2H2H: Pride & Honor12 November 200611:38 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win29–12–1 (1) Fabiano Scherner TKO (punches) Cage Rage 17 1 July 200611:30 London, England, United Kingdom
Loss28–12–1 (1) Roman Zentsov KO (punch) PRIDE FC: Total Elimination Absolute 5 May 200614:55 Osaka, Japan
Win28–11–1 (1) Valentijn Overeem Submission (armbar) It's Showtime Boxing & MMA Event 2005 Amsterdam 12 June 200514:30 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Loss27–11–1 (1) Ikuhisa Minowa Submission (toe hold) Pride Bushido 6 3 April 200511:10 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Loss27–10–1 (1)Atte BackmanDQ (struck the referee)Fight Festival 1213 November 200410:35 Helsinki, FinlandYvel was disqualified after striking the referee and knocking him out.
Win27–9–1 (1) Cheick Kongo TKO (punches) It's Showtime 2004 Amsterdam 20 May 200424:40 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Draw26–9–1 (1)Daniel TaberaDraw M-1 MFC: Russia vs. The World 7 5 December 2003110:00 St. Petersburg, Russia
Loss26–9 (1) Jeremy Horn Decision (unanimous) PRIDE 21 23 June 200235:00 Saitama, Japan
Win26–8 (1) Bob Schrijber TKO (doctor stoppage)2H2H 4: Simply the Best 417 March 2002N/AN/A Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win25–8 (1)Ibragim MagomedovSubmission (rear-naked choke) M-1 MFC: Russia vs. the World 2 11 November 2001N/A2:45 St. Petersburg, Russia
Loss24–8 (1) Don Frye DQ (gouging the eyes) PRIDE 16 24 September 200117:27 Osaka, Japan
Loss24–7 (1) Igor Vovchanchyn Submission (rear-naked choke) PRIDE 14: Clash of the Titans 27 May 200111:52 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win24–6 (1) Carlos Barreto KO (flying knee)2H2H 2: Simply The Best18 March 200112:20 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Loss23–6 (1) Kazuyuki Fujita Decision (unanimous) PRIDE 12: Cold Fury 9 December 2000210:00 Saitama, Japan
NC23–5 (1) Wanderlei Silva NC (kick to groin) PRIDE 11: Battle of the Rising Sun 31 October 200010:21 Osaka, JapanYvel was rendered unable to continue after accidental groin strike.
Win23–5 Gary Goodridge KO (head kick) PRIDE 10: Return of the Warriors 27 August 200010:28 Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
Loss22–5 Vitor Belfort Decision (unanimous) PRIDE 9 4 June 2000210:00 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Win22–4 Kiyoshi Tamura TKO RINGS: Millennium Combine 1 20 April 2000113:13 Tokyo, JapanWon the RINGS Openweight Championship. Later vacated title.
Win21–4Brian DunnTKO (punches)2H2H 1: 2 Hot 2 Handle5 March 200010:21 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Loss20–4 Dan Henderson Decision (unanimous) RINGS: King of Kings 1999 Final 26 February 200025:00 Tokyo, Japan1999 RINGS King of Kings Third Round.
Win20–3 Joop Kasteel KO (palm strikes) RINGS Holland: There Can Only Be One Champion 6 February 200014:16 Utrecht, Netherlands
Win19–3 Tsuyoshi Kohsaka TKO (doctor stoppage) RINGS: King of Kings 1999 Block B 22 December 199911:17 Osaka, Japan1999 RINGS King of Kings Tournament Second Round.
Win18–3 Tariel Bitsadze Submission (armbar)12:181999 RINGS King of Kings Tournament First Round.
Win17–3Dennis ReedKO (flying knee)AAC 2: Amsterdam Absolute Championship 227 November 199911:43 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win16–3Fabio PiamonteTKOWVC 9: World Vale Tudo Championship 927 September 199912:28 Aruba
Loss15–3 Tsuyoshi Kohsaka Technical Decision (lost points) RINGS: Rise 5th 19 August 199918:17 Japan
Win15–2 Semmy Schilt KO (punches) RINGS Holland: The Kings of the Magic Ring 20 June 199924:45 Utrecht, Netherlands
Win14–2 Tsuyoshi Kohsaka TKO (doctor stoppage) RINGS: Rise 2nd 23 April 1999114:58 Japan
Win13–2Todd MedinaKO (knee)WVC: World Vale Tudo Championship20 March 199910:10 Aruba
Win12–2 Big Mo T KO (flying knee) RINGS Holland: Judgement Day 7 February 199911:59 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win11–2 Lee Hasdell TKO (doctor stoppage) RINGS Holland: The Thialf Explosion 24 October 1998N/AN/A Heerenveen, Netherlands
Win10–2 Valentijn Overeem TKO (shoulder injury) RINGS Holland: Who's the Boss 7 June 199810:38 Utrecht, Netherlands
Loss9–2Karimula BarkalaevDQ (biting)IAFC: Pankration European Championship 199823 May 199814:49 Moscow, Russia
Loss9–1 Bob Schrijber KOIMA: KO Power Tournament12 April 199814:15 Amsterdam, NetherlandsIMA: KO Power Tournament Finals.
Win9–0Algirdas DarulisTKO (3 knockdowns)13:02IMA: KO Power Tournament First Round.
Win8–0 Bob Schrijber Submission (achilles lock) RINGS Holland: The King of Rings 8 February 199821:12 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win7–0Bas JussenKORDFF 2: Red Devil Free Fight 27 December 1997N/AN/A Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win6–0Oleg TsygolnikKO (punch) M-1 MFC: World Championship 1997 1 November 199711:41 St. Petersburg, RussiaWon the 1997 M-1 MFC Light Heavyweight Tournament.
Win5–0Sergei TunicKO (punches)11:161997 M-1 MFC Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals.
Win4–0 Pedro Palm TKOGym Almaar: Fight Gala5 October 1997N/AN/A Bergen, Netherlands
Win3–0Vyacheslav KiselyovTKO (knees)RDFF 1: Red Devil Free Fight 127 September 199710:51 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win2–0Leon DijkKO (knee) RINGS Holland: Utrecht at War 29 June 199712:05 Utrecht, Netherlands
Win1–0Rob van LeeuwenTKO (corner stoppage) RINGS Holland: The Final Challenge 2 February 199714:06 Amsterdam, Netherlands

[25]

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record
1 win (1 KO), 1 loss
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
28 October 2007Win Yuji Sakuragi Shoot Boxing Battle Summit "Ground Zero Tokyo, Japan TKO (3 Knockdowns)11:481–1
14 July 2002Loss Ray Sefo K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan KO (Low Kicks)22:070–1
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira</span> Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter

Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, better known as Minotauro or Big Nog, is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist. He competed in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is the twin brother of UFC fighter Antônio Rogério Nogueira. Nogueira rose to prominence in Japanese promotions Fighting Network RINGS where he won the 2000 RINGS King of Kings tournament, and later with Pride Fighting Championships, where he was the first Pride Heavyweight Champion from November 2001 to March 2003, as well as a 2004 PRIDE FC Heavyweight Grand Prix Finalist. He is one of only three men to have held championship titles in both Pride Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vitor Belfort</span> Brazilian-American mixed martial arts fighter

Vítor Vieira Belfort is a Brazilian professional boxer and retired mixed martial artist who competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he fought in the Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight and Middleweight divisions. He is the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Champion, as well as the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Champion. Known for his explosive knockout power, Belfort is tied for fifth for the most finishes in UFC history with 14. Belfort also competed for MMA promotions Pride FC, Strikeforce, Affliction, and Cage Rage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takanori Gomi</span> Japanese mixed martial artist

Takanori Gomi is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist who gained international fame in Pride Fighting Championships. Later in his career, Gomi also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Gomi is the only Pride FC Lightweight Champion in the organization's history. He became the Lightweight Grand Prix Winner at Pride Shockwave 2005, thus winning every lightweight accolade put forth by Pride FC. Gomi also held a record twelve-fight winning streak in Shooto, where he was a former Shooto Lightweight Champion, as well as a four-time All-Japan Combat Wrestling Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wanderlei Silva</span> Brazilian mixed martial artist

Wanderlei César da Silva is a Brazilian former mixed martial artist who competed in Japan's Pride Fighting Championships and the American-based Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He holds the record for the most wins, knockouts, title defenses and longest winning streak in PRIDE history. He is the former PRIDE Middleweight Champion and the 2003 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion. He most recently competed for Bellator MMA in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. In February 2024, Silva was announced as the next inductee in the "pioneer wing" of the UFC Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frank Shamrock</span> American mixed martial artist

Frank Shamrock is an American former professional mixed martial artist. Shamrock was the first to hold the UFC Middleweight Championship and retired as an undefeated champion. Shamrock was the No. 1 ranked pound for pound UFC fighter in the world during his reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion. Shamrock has won numerous titles in other martial arts organizations, including the interim King of Pancrase title, the WEC Light Heavyweight Championship and the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. Shamrock is regarded as one of the first complete mixed martial artists, having adapted his game from a ground-focused style of fighting to a more well-rounded and versatile style. He is a seventh degree black belt in submission fighting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiyoshi Tamura</span> Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter

Kiyoshi Tamura is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. Once a student of legendary professional wrestlers Billy Robinson, Lou Thesz and Akira Maeda, Tamura was known for his skills in catch wrestling and is considered to be one of the greatest shoot wrestlers of all time. Competing exclusively in shoot style wrestling, Tamura began his career with UWF Newborn and later joined its successor group UWF International before transitioning to mixed martial arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Barnett</span> American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler

Joshua Lawrence Barnett is an American mixed martial artist, submission wrestler, professional wrestler, and color commentator currently signed to Bellator MMA. Barnett previously competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was the youngest-ever UFC Heavyweight Champion. Barnett was the final Openweight King Of Pancrase, a finalist in both the 2006 PRIDE Openweight Grand Prix and the 2012 Strikeforce Heavyweight Championship Grand Prix. He has also competed in Affliction, World Victory Road, DREAM and Impact FC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedro Rizzo</span> Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter

Pedro Augusto Rizzo is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist and kickboxer who competed for the UFC, PRIDE, M-1 Global, and Affliction. Although he never captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship, Rizzo competed for it three times and was regarded as a top contender for many years. Coming from a Muay Thai background, Rizzo competed in Vale Tudo before transitioning into mixed martial arts. Often regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in heavyweight history, Rizzo holds notable victories over former UFC champions Mark Coleman, Dan Severn, Josh Barnett, Andrei Arlovski, Ricco Rodriguez and Ken Shamrock.

Tsuyoshi Kosaka is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist, submission grappler and professional wrestler who competed in the Heavyweight division. A professional MMA competitor from 1994 till 2022, he has competed for the UFC, PRIDE Fighting Championships, RIZIN, RINGS, Pancrase, and DEEP. Kosaka is the former King of Pancrase Super Heavyweight Champion.

Gary Henry Goodridge, nicknamed "Big Daddy", is a Trinidadian-Canadian former heavyweight kickboxer and mixed martial artist fighting out of Barrie, Ontario. Prior to kickboxing and MMA, he was also one of the top ranked contenders in the world of professional arm wrestling. In early 2012, Goodridge was diagnosed with early onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renato Sobral</span> Brazilian kickboxer and mixed martial arts fighter

Renato Sobral da Cunha, also known as "Babalu", is a retired Brazilian Luta Livre submission grappler, mixed martial artist, and was the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion. Sobral previously fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he posted a 6–4 record and has also competed for Bellator, RINGS, Jungle Fight, Cage Rage, Affliction, and ONE Championship. He is the Head Instructor of Babalu's Iron Gym Cerritos and has a Luta Livre black belt under Marco Ruas and also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Semmy Schilt</span> Dutch kickboxer, Ashihara karateka and mixed martial arts fighter

Sem "Semmy" Schilt is a Dutch actor and former kickboxer, Ashihara karateka and mixed martial artist. He stands 212 cm and weighs 171 kg. Schilt holds the distinction of being the only kickboxer to have won 5 major heavyweight tournaments, being a four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion and one time Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam Champion. He also held the K-1 Super Heavyweight Championship and the Glory Heavyweight Championship titles. He is the only fighter in K-1 history to win the world championship three times in a row, and also shares the record with Ernesto Hoost for most Grands Prix won, with four.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricco Rodriguez</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Ricco Rodriguez is an American semi-retired mixed martial artist currently competing in the heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 1999, he has competed for the UFC, PRIDE Fighting Championships, EliteXC, International Fight League, BAMMA, World Extreme Cagefighting, and Bellator. Ricco is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Mundials World Champion and also an ADCC World Champion. He is also the former King of the Cage World Heavyweight Champion.

Paul Anthony Buentello is an American former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 1997 to 2017, Buentello competed in the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, Affliction, King of the Cage, Shark Fights, ACB, Legacy FC, and is the former King of the Cage Heavyweight Champion.

Akihiro Gono is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 1994, he is best known for his clever and deceptive fighting style, and for his flashy ring entrances. Gono has competed for the UFC, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Pancrase, the World Series of Fighting, DEEP, World Victory Road, Shooto, Bellator, and also participated in the Dynamite!! 2009 event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Márcio Cruz</span> Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts practitioner from Brazil

Márcio Cruz is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist. In Jiu-Jitsu, he is a fifth degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and is a six-time IBJJF Mundials World Champion, five-time IBJJF Brazilian Nationals Champion, eight-time IBJJF Pan-American Champion, 2003 ADCC World Champion, two-time Abu Dhabi World Jiu Jitsu Legends Champion and UFC Veteran Fighter. His nickname "Pé de Pano" was given to him by his friends at the Gracie Barra academy in Rio and it is the Portuguese version of the name of Woody Woodpecker's horse, SugarFoot. He competed in the UFC and also had a one-fight stint as an alternate for the New York Pitbulls of the International Fight League.

Ricardo Alves Almeida is a Brazilian-American former mixed martial artist and current Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler residing in Bordentown, New Jersey. Almeida is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Grapplers Quest, and a former Middleweight King of Pancrase. In Pancrase he had notable wins over Nate Marquardt and Kazuo Misaki. Almeida trains with and teaches former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar at his longtime Gracie system gym in Robbinsville, NJ. He also trains former UFC Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and The Ultimate Fighter 19 winner Corey Anderson

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Kyle</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Michael Andrew Kyle is an American professional mixed martial artist and boxer currently competing in the Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2001, Kyle has competed for the UFC, the WEC, Strikeforce, the World Series of Fighting, Absolute Championship Berkut, Pancrase, and King of the Cage. He is the former WEC Heavyweight Champion and King of the Cage Light Heavyweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Todd Duffee</span> American mixed martial artist

Todd Duffee is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division of Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW). He trains predominantly with the Combat Sports Academy and the American Kickboxing Academy in California. Duffee has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Super Fight League in India, Jungle Fight in Brazil, and Dynamite!! 2010 in Japan. In addition to his mixed martial arts career he had a role in the 2010 film Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown as well as minor roles in both film and television. Duffee has also appeared on the front cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine.

Jonathan Michael Madsen is a retired American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Heavyweight division of Titan FC. A professional competitor since 2008, Madsen has also formerly competed for the UFC and was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights fighting for Team Rashad.

References

  1. Jones, Phil. "MMA Legend Gilbert Yvel Promoted To BJJ Black Belt". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  2. "Bullebak 'Hurricane' blijkt gevoelsmens". Trouw.nl.
  3. Jones, Phil. "MMA Legend Gilbert Yvel Promoted To BJJ Black Belt". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  4. "Quebrada Issue 72A Puroresu Pro-Wrestling Match Review". www.quebrada.net.
  5. "PRIDE Grand Prix 2004: Critical Countdown – Semmy Schilt vs. Sergei Kharitonov". Sherdog.
  6. Caplan, Sam (3 December 2008). "Gilbert Yvel in talks to fight for Affliction". Fiveouncesofpain.com. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  7. "Dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel at UFC 108 :: TATAME". Archived from the original on 5 December 2009. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  8. "- YVEL STEPS INTO DOS SANTOS FIGHT AT UFC 108- MMA WEEKLY – Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more". Archived from the original on 7 December 2009. Retrieved 4 December 2009.
  9. "Gilbert Yvel, Jon Madsen to meet at UFC 121". lasvegassun.com. 24 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  10. "Gilbert Yvel vs. Tony Lopez headlines Colosseo Championship Fighting on July 23, 2011". Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  11. "CCF Bushido Postponed" . Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  12. "Exclusive report: Pride rules, missing promoters, and an angry Gilbert Yvel; this is what happened to "CCF 6: Bushido"". Archived from the original on 18 September 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  13. "RFA 4 Heads to Las Vegas with UFC Vets Gilbert Yvel, Marcio Cruz, Tyson Griffin, Efrain Escudero" . Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  14. "Tyson Griffin vs. Efrain Escudero to headline RFA 4; Joe Yager replaces injured Gilbert Yvel against Pe De Pano". onthemat.com. 20 October 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  15. "Gilbert Yvel announces retirement, talks career and future after fighting". YouTube . Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  16. Caplan, Sam (3 December 2008). "Gilbert Yvel in talks to fight for Affliction". Fiveouncesofpain.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  17. "Cagepotato.com -". cagepotato.com.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 "Should Gilbert Yvel be allowed to campaign in an Affliction ring?". ESPN.com. 8 December 2008.
  19. 1 2 3 4 "MMA". TheMix.net.
  20. 1 2 "Gilbert Yvel not cleared to fight Josh Barnett at Affliction 2 – SI.com – Mixed Martial Arts". CNN. 23 December 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  21. "Gilbert Yvel granted one-fight license in Nevada; Cole Province issued nine-month suspension | MMAjunkie.com". Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  22. "Pro Wrestling History". www.prowrestlinghistory.com.
  23. "IMA – KO Power Tournament". Sherdog.
  24. "M-1 MFC - World Championship 1997". Archived from the original on 2 January 2018.[ better source needed ]
  25. Sherdog.com. "Gilbert". Sherdog. Retrieved 16 April 2022.