Define "before MMA". Because that could mean prior 1993, or prior 3000 years ago really. My guess is you are talking pre-UFC. Hard to say without head to head competition obviously. Have to think...
leaning towards Kimura - #1 vale tudo fighter in his day James Jefferies - former #1 boxer with solid wrestling Jack Dempsey - former #1 boxer with cross training in wrestling and submissions Benny Uriquidez - very good kickboxer with judo, rumors of winning some sort of NHB event, forget the details. Alexander Kaerlin - dominant wrestling and size/strength, probably has at least rudimentary Judo or Sambo training, father rumored to be boxer/boxing coach.
Before MMA as it's considered today. Pre-1993, and not including Brazilian Vale Tudo competitions of the 1950's and 60's.
I'd say danny hodge or paul berlenbach, both champion level wrestlers who branched out into boxing and did very well.
I would like to throw Frank Dux name out there. And now I would like to grab his name, and take it back. Because I was joking.
Danny Hodge gets my vote world class wrestler and a golden gloves boxer and the only man ive seen in his 80s who can still sqwish an apple with his bare hand!!!!:scaredas:
