Think about getting into the MMA ring with a former sumo wrestling legend who towers over you by a great foot and weighs practically thrice as a lot. That’s precisely what occurred when Don Frye confronted off in opposition to the large Akebono at Okay-1’s Hero’s 5 occasion in 2006.
Sumo vs. UFC
Akebono, standing at an unimaginable 6 ft 8 in (203 cm) and weighing an enormous 514 lbs (233 kg), was one of many largest and most formidable opponents Frye would ever face. Regardless of being considerably smaller, Frye, who weighed round 230 lbs (104 kg), was not intimidated. He used his agility and quickness to evade Akebono’s highly effective thrusts and clinches, which regularly left him pinned in opposition to the ropes.
The combat was a real David vs. Goliath story. Akebono dominated the primary spherical along with his dimension and energy, pushing his opponent into the nook. However his endurance was his downfall. Because the second spherical started, Frye sensed his likelihood and began touchdown stable punches, dropping Akebono a number of instances. After some intense floor and pound, Frye seized the chance to lock in a guillotine choke, forcing Akebono to submit. It was an unimaginable upset, with Frye proving that typically, brains and agility can outsmart brute pressure. This matchup will perpetually be remembered as probably the most insane in MMA historical past.
Don Frye is a famend determine in combined martial arts, identified for his preventing type. He dominated the MMA scene for a number of years, attaining notable victories in each the UFC and PRIDE FC. Frye’s background consists of skilled boxing and firefighting.
Akebono was a legendary sumo wrestler who rose to fame in Japan, changing into the primary foreign-born wrestler to realize the very best rank of Yokozuna. Standing at a powerful 6 ft 8 in and weighing over 500 lbs, Akebono used his dimension and energy to dominate the sumo ring. After retiring from sumo, he ventured into different fight sports activities, together with MMA, kickboxing, {and professional} wrestling.
